Dazaifu Fukuoka Attractions Travel Japan JNTO

Impressive historical sites in Kyushu’s ancient political, diplomatic and cultural centre Established as the local government with jurisdiction over Kyushu during the 7th century, the city of Dazaifu is one of Fukuoka Prefecture’s best-known destinations It flourished as the center of government and trading center with mainland Asia for centuries. Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of Fukuoka’s most celebrated shrines Pick up a Dazaifu Historical Trail map from just outside Tenmangu Shrine and explore ancient Dazaifu Taking a hike up sacred Mt. Homan Quick Facts Dazaifu was once known as the “Distan Imperial Court” and the city flourished as Japan’s window to the Asian continent The city was also Kyushu’s most important Buddhist center Dazaifu is easily accessible by train from downtown Fukuoka.Take the Nishitetsu Line from Fukuoka Tenjin Station to Dazaifu Station, changing at Futsukaichi. The train takes about 30 minutes. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Dazaifu’s most famous shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the deified form of the 9th-century poet-scholar Michizane Sugawara. Originally tied to natural disasters and the plague, Tenjin came to be regarded as a god of education. Students still pour into Dazaifu Tenmangu around exam time to pray for success.The street leading to the shrine is lined with shops selling umegae mochi, a local specialty of fried mochi rice cakes filled with sweet red-bean jam. Ice cream stands sell only-in-Japan flavors like green tea and black sesame, and there are numerous shops selling souvenirs and knick-knacks. A sea of Sugawara’s favorite blooms The shrine and its grounds are magnificent any time of year, but they really come alive in early March when over 6,000 plum trees burst into bloom. The already lovely shrine gardens turn into a sea of pink and white. Some of Sugawara’s most famous poems feature plum trees, hence their prominent presence at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine .Kyushu National Museum Other historical attractions There are numerous other historical attractions throughout the city. Kanzeonji Temple is an important historic Buddhist site with amazing ancient statuary preserved in its treasure house. Atmospheric Kamado Shrine at the foot of Mt. Homan is also well worth a visit. The information center just outside Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine offers free maps that describe a historical tour through Dazaifu, as does Dazaifu’s popular app.Hike up and around a sacred peak