SIGHTSEEING

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: A Journey of Learning, Sincerity, and Warding Off Evil

2023.11.08

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine stands as a beacon of worship, drawing in over 8 million visitors annually from all over Japan and across the world, revered for its dedication to scholarship, sincerity, and warding off misfortune. Located a mere 20-minute train ride from Fukuoka’s bustling Tenjin area, and directly accessible via bus from JR Hakata Station, reaching this esteemed site is remarkably convenient.

Scattered throughout the shrine grounds, visitors are delighted by the charming bovine sculptures known as “Goshingyuu,” believed to bestow healing where they are caressed. True to its patronage over learning, the shrine’s oxen, especially their heads, have been polished to a shine by the hands of countless pilgrims.

When one mentions Dazaifu Tenmangu, the plum trees invariably come to mind.

This sanctuary is not only a place of worship but also a renowned destination for plum blossom admirers. Boasting about 200 varieties, the grounds are home to 6,000 plum trees, reaching full bloom from mid-February to early March, painting the precincts with a picturesque array of red and white blossoms.

But the allure of Dazaifu Tenmangu extends beyond its famous plums, offering an array of seasonal flora that includes:

– Cherry Blossoms: Late March to Mid-April
– New Camphor Leaves: Mid-April to Late May
– Iris: Early to Mid-June
– Chrysanthemums: November 1 to Late November
– Autumn Leaves: Mid-November to Early December

The ever-changing seasonal backdrops lend a romantic hue to the historical charm of the shrine, beckoning visitors to return time and again.

No trip to Dazaifu Tenmangu would be complete without partaking in the gastronomic delights along the approach path.

Among these, the “Umegae Mochi,” a specialty treat, is a must-try. Numerous shops along the path offer this famed confection, a grilled mochi with a sweet bean filling, distinguished by a plum blossom imprint – its flavor and aroma are not of plums, intriguingly enough.

Despite its uniform appearance, each vendor offers a unique take on the treat, with subtle differences in the bean paste’s texture, sweetness, and the pastry’s thickness. Discovering your favorite shop could be a rewarding quest in itself.

Access:
Just a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line’s “Dazaifu Station”.

Opening Hours:
– From the day after the Spring Equinox to the day before the Autumn Equinox: 6:00 AM
– All other periods: 6:30 AM
Closing Hours:
– April to May, September to November: 19:00 PM
– June to August: 19:30 PM
– December to March: 18:30 PM
– Every Friday and Saturday: 20:00 PM
* Open 24 hours during the first three days of the New Year. Closes at night on January 4th depending on the crowd.
No regular closing days. * The Treasure Hall is closed on Mondays, and the Sugawara Historical Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission is free, although there are separate fees for entering the Treasure Hall and Sugawara Historical Museum.

For more details, visit the official website: [https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/]