In Edo period, Yushima area was an educational zone of Tokyo. The first institute of higher learning in Japan, Yushima-Seido, was established in this area by Edo government in 1690.

In addition to all the cultural and learning centers in the area, this district is also home to several influential shrines that were built even before Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Edo in 1592. One of them - Yushima Jinja - was established in the 17th century by Michizane Sugawara who is revered to as the god of study. Yushima Jinja is located on the top of Yushima hill and has been one of the prominent buildings in the area. This shrine became a renowned place where many students make a wish about passing examination of high-school or university. People asking write their wishes on a wooden plate called "ema".