In 901, Michizane, then Minister of the Right, was exiled to Dazaifu through the slander of Fujiwara no Tokihira. Before departing, he composed the famous poem: 'When the east wind blows, let it carry your fragrance, O plum blossoms — do not forget the spring, even though your master is gone.' After his death in exile in 903, Kyoto was struck by lightning and plague, attributed to his vengeful spirit. In 947, following oracles received by Tajihi no Ayako, Kitano Tenmangu was founded to enshrine his spirit.

On October 1, 1587, Hideyoshi announced to the realm that all who enjoy tea, regardless of social standing, should come, and held the 'Kitano Grand Tea Gathering' on the shrine grounds. About 800 tea enclosures were set up at this unprecedented event—attended also by Sen no Rikyu—showcasing Hideyoshi's power as ruler and his passion for tea.

The mid-Heian warrior Minamoto no Raiko is said to have prayed at Kitano Tenmangu for success before setting out to slay Shuten-doji, the demon of Mt. Ooe. Leading his 'Four Heavenly Kings' — Watanabe no Tsuna, Sakata no Kintoki, and others — Raiko marched to Mt. Ooe and vanquished the demon. This heroic tale, known as the 'Demon Slaying of Mt. Ooe,' has been passed down through the ages, and Kitano Tenmangu was revered as a place to pray for martial valor.