Name: Dazaifu Tenmangu
Address: Dazaifu, Fukuoka, 818-0117, JP
Telephone: +81929228225
Price range: Free

View on Map Call

www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp

Location

4-chōme-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan

Opening hours

Instagram Facebook

Book Japan Shinkansen tickets with Klook

What makes this place special?

At a Glance

Dazaifu Tenmangu stands as the headquarters of all Tenmangu shrines across Japan, dedicated to the revered scholar Sugawara no Michizane, who is venerated as the kami of learning and scholarship. Founded in 905 CE at Michizane's burial site, this important spiritual center has become a pilgrimage de

Why you should go

With approximately 10 million visitors annually, Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Japan's most visited shrines and serves as the head shrine for all 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide.

The three arched bridges represent past, present, and future—tradition says you should cross without looking back, stopping, or stumbling to ensure good fortune in your journey through life.

When Michizane's body was being transported for burial, the ox pulling the cart suddenly sat down and refused to move—people took this as a divine sign and built the shrine on that exact spot.

The shrine's famous plum tree, called "Tobiume" (Flying Plum), is said to have flown all the way from Kyoto to Dazaifu overnight out of devotion to Michizane when he was exiled.

Know before you go

Park at lots on the opposite side from the main approach road for 300 yen instead of 500 yen, though you will miss the atmospheric walk down the shopping street lined with umegae mochi vendors.
Look for the famous Tobiume (Flying Plum) tree near the main hall, which according to legend flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu out of devotion to Michizane, and seek out the poem stone inscribed with his famous verse about the plum blossoms.
Try the freshly grilled umegae mochi (plum branch rice cakes) from multiple shops along the approach, as each has slightly different recipes and textures, and eating them hot off the grill is essential to the experience.
After praying, visit the ume-en plum grove behind the main hall, especially from late January to March. With 6,000+ plum trees in 200 varieties, it’s a display many tourists miss while they rush through the grounds.

What makes this place special?

Why you should go

How do I visit?

Location

Know before you go

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine(太宰府天満宮)