Hitachiota Tenmangu was founded in the early 14th century by the Satake clan to enshrine Sugawara no Michizane as the guardian of learning in their castle town. Though celebrated as warriors, the Satake also prized culture and education—exemplifying Michizane's ideals of scholarship. Plum trees evoking Michizane's famous poem adorn the grounds, and since the Edo period students and teachers have gathered here to pray for academic success.