Bursting with historical and cultural flair, Fukuoka prefecture’s Dazaifu has a little something for everyone. As the ancient administrative capital of Kyushu, it’s home to a number of historical sites, including the famous Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine. For those who want to learn more, the Kyushu National Museum can be found just around the corner. In harmony with these attractions, trendy cafes and restaurants dot the surrounding area in abundance. With bountiful transportation options, Dazaifu is a must-visit destination for those traveling in western Japan.
Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine that dates back to 905 AD, is the crown jewel of Dazaifu. With its imposing curved roofs, striking reds and golds, and tranquil ponds, the shrine is a feast for the eyes, sucking the viewer into its past. And what a storied past it is.
The shrine was built in honor of an accomplished Heian period (794-1185) poet, scholar, and politician, Sugawara no Michizane (845-903). He was exiled to Dazaifu and later died in obscurity following a political rivalry. After his death, plague, drought, storms, floods, and sickness spread through the capital and were thought to be the curse of Michizane, who had become an onryo vengeful spirit. To lift the curse, the imperial court restored Michizane’s political status and later deified him as a god of sky and storms. Today, however, he is worshiped as a god of learning, and many students preparing for the busy exam season visit Dazaifu Tenmangu to pray for good luck in their studies. The shrine grounds also house a plum tree that is said to have flown from Kyoto to Dazaifu following Michizane’s death out of its love for him.
Additionally, the main sanctuary of the shrine is currently under renovation (set to end in 2026), and a temporary shrine has been installed before it. The temporary installation, designed by architect Sosuke Fujimoto, resembles a floating forest that blends into the foliage beyond the shrine grounds. Check it out before the renovation ends!
Located just around the corner from Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine, Kyushu National Museum is a blast for those interested in history, art, or culture. Its permanent collections mainly cover Kyushu’s history from the ancient past to the modern day. Meanwhile, it also features a huge variety of limited-time exhibitions, with past themes ranging from the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom to insect hunting. Check out their website to see their current exhibitions!
Resting at one of Dazaifu’s many cafes is a great way to unwind after soaking up the town’s history and atmosphere. Most cafes are located within walking distance of Dazaifu Tenmangu, including Dazaifu’s Starbucks, which is famous for featuring a traditional kikumi wood joinery frame both inside and out, blending the sleek modern interior of the cafe with traditional design. Another recommendation is MIDLE., which boasts delicious and healthy curry in addition to your typical cafe fare. Renovated from an old house with access from a secluded alleyway, MIDLE. also bears an at-home, hole-in-the-wall feel that not many cafes can beat. For those looking for more cafe goodness, even a cursory glance at Google Maps, Instagram, or Tabelog will yield dozens of options, ranging from chic, modern offerings like Starbucks to traditional kissaten cafes.
Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu and home to the island’s major transportation hubs, offers a variety of options for travel to Dazaifu. Buses are available from both Hakata Station and Fukuoka International airport, taking 40 and 25 minutes respectively. Likewise, the Nishitetsu Line, available from Nishitetsu-Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, provides access via train to Dazaifu, taking approximately 20 minutes and requiring one transfer at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station. Should you arrive in Fukuoka by boat, taxis are available from Fukuoka’s major ports and take about 30 minutes to reach Dazaifu.
For more details, please visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine’s official website.
This article barely scratches the surface of what Dazaifu has to offer. There are even more shrines, temples, cafes, restaurants, shops, and attractions for guests who just can’t get enough. Fortunately, most of these places are located very close to the locations discussed here. No matter your tastes, there’s sure to be something that suits your fancy in Dazaifu.
*Banner photograph 梅雨の大宰府 retrieved from find47.jp, courtesy of the photographer, kiki 1313
<Content & Images>
All images not owned by WaWo Japan Travel were obtained from the following sources:
★ Dazaifu Tenmangu
[https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/]
★ Dazaifu City
[https://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/site/kanko/]
★Banner photograph 梅雨の大宰府 retrieved from find47.jp, courtesy of the photographer, kiki 1313
[https://find47.jp/ja/i/o37AP]
Please hover over photos for specific credits.
<Author>
Joseph Bayliss
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel
