Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine太宰府天満宮
What you can do here
Cross the arched bridges
The three bridges over Shinji Pond stand for the past, the present and the future. Beyond them are the tower gate and the main hall.
Pray at the main hall
The shrine stands over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane. The present main hall was built in 1591 and is an Important Cultural Property.
Charms for study, and ema
There are charms for study and "study pencils" in three kinds: 2B, HB and for mark-sheet exams. On a wish ema you write your wish in your own words.
Find the sacred oxen
Eleven statues of oxen, an animal closely linked with Michizane, are placed around the grounds.
Treasure Hall and Kanko Historical Museum
The Treasure Hall holds about 10,000 items connected with Michizane. The Kanko Historical Museum tells his life story in dioramas of Hakata dolls.
Tenkai Inari Shrine
About 10 minutes on foot from the main hall. Said to be the oldest Inari shrine in Kyushu, it is visited for better fortune.
Popular and not to be missed
- Tobiume, the flying plum tree
- The sacred tree to the right of the main hall is said to have flown here from the capital in a single night to follow Michizane. It is the first plum in the grounds to bloom.
- About 6,000 plum trees
- The grounds hold about 6,000 plum trees of some 200 varieties. In early spring they come into flower one after another, following the Tobiume.
- The great camphor tree
- A camphor tree more than 1,500 years old, designated a national Natural Monument.
- Head shrine of Tenjin
- Michizane died at Dazaifu in 903 and the shrine was built in 919. It is the head of about 10,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan.
Good to know before you go
- TimingGate opening and closing times change with the season. Check the visiting page on the official site before you go.
- Wheelchairs & pushchairsWheelchairs can be borrowed free at the shrine office or the information desk. The official map shows a step-free route, and all five toilets are wheelchair-accessible.
- Getting thereFive minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin), change at Futsukaichi to the Dazaifu line: about 35 minutes by train.
- Getting thereFrom Hakata there is also the direct Tabito bus: about 40 minutes from Hakata Bus Terminal to Dazaifu Station, or about 25 from Fukuoka Airport's international terminal.
How to pay your respects (shrine)
Bow once at the torii → Keep to the side of the path → Rinse your hands and mouth → Make an offering → Two bows, two claps, one bowSee each step
- 1
Bow once at the torii
The torii gate marks the entrance to sacred ground. Give a small bow before you walk through.
- 2
Keep to the side of the path
The centre of the approach is regarded as the path of the deity, so walk along either side.
- 3
Rinse your hands and mouth
At the water basin, rinse your left hand, then your right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth. Never put the ladle to your lips.
- 4
Make an offering
In front of the hall, put a coin in the offering box and stand up straight. Ring the bell if there is one.
- 5
Two bows, two claps, one bow
Bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice at chest height, say your prayer, then bow deeply once more.
Customs differ at some shrines. If there are instructions on site, follow those.
Sources for the etiquette: 伊勢神宮 参拝の作法とマナー / 明治神宮 ご参拝の方へ
Events through the year
- JanUsokae and Onisube ritesIn January. Usokae exchanges one's untruths for Tenjin's sincerity; Onisube is a fire rite to drive out misfortune and invite good luck.
- MarKyokusui no UtageEarly March. A court ceremony is re-enacted in the plum-filled Kyokusui garden in memory of Michizane.
- Jun, DecOharae purificationAt the end of June and of December. A rite to cleanse the wrongs and impurities gathered unknowingly. You register to take part.
- SepJinkoshiki Grand FestivalAround the autumn equinox in September. The shrine's most important festival, consoling the spirit of Tenjin and praying for peace and good harvests.
- OctGrand Festival for Exam SuccessIn October, prayers for exam success are offered to the deity of learning. Special talismans and charms are available during the festival.
Dates change from year to year. Check the official site before you go.
Go further from here
Things to enjoy nearby and places to head to next.
- EatUmegae mochi on the approachAbout 90 shops line the 400-metre approach, where umegae mochi rice cakes are grilled at the shopfronts. About 5 minutes on foot from the main hall.See the theme "Markets & street food"
- Culture & historyKyushu National MuseumAbout 10 minutes on foot from the main hall. Opened in 2005, it presents how Japanese culture took shape within the history of Asia.See the Fukuoka and Hakata guide
- A short ride awayKamado ShrineA shrine on Mount Homan, known for matchmaking. About 7 minutes by Mahoroba bus from Tenmangu, or about 30 minutes on foot.
Fukuoka and Hakata guide
Kyushu's largest city, a few minutes by subway from its airport. Hakata's temples and shrines, food stalls by the river, shopping in Tenjin, and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine a short train ride away.
Things to see 10 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By how you get there
By distance
- 1
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
A shrine to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the god of learning. Known for plum blossoms in early spring and grilled umegae-mochi cakes.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
- Food & markets
about 1.5 hrFreeWheelchair & stroller friendly
Bus · About 50 min from Hakata ・ About 40 minutes by direct bus from Hakata Bus Terminal, or about 30 minutes by Nishitetsu train from Tenjin ・ 100m from here
- 2
Kushida Shrine
The guardian shrine of Hakata. A towering decorated float from the summer Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is on display almost all year.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
about 30 minFree
Walk · About 15 min from Hakata ・ 14km from here
- 4
Canal City Hakata
A shopping and entertainment complex built around a canal, with shops, cinemas, a theater and hotels. There are fountain shows.
- Shopping & strolling
- Food & markets
- With kids
about 1.5 hrFreeFine on a rainy dayWheelchair & stroller friendly
Walk · About 12 min from Hakata ・ 14km from here
- 6
Fukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
Castle ruins with stone walls and turrets. The base of the keep gives a view over the city. Known for cherry blossoms in spring.
- History & buildings
- Views
- Nature
about 60 minFree
Subway · About 20 min from Hakata ・ Subway Airport Line to Akasaka or Ohori-Koen Station, then about 8 minutes on foot ・ 16km from here
Within walking distance of here
See nearby on a mapWalking times are estimates from the straight-line distance.
- Go hereDazaifu Tenmangu ShrineAbout 1 min on foot
A shrine to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the god of learning. Known for plum blossoms in early spring and grilled umegae-mochi cakes.
- Go hereKyushu National MuseumAbout 8 min on foot
A museum reached by a moving-walkway tunnel from beside Dazaifu Tenmangu. It shows the history of exchange between Japan and Asia.
Sights are this site's picks, not a popularity ranking.
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