Speaking of Fukuoka’s sightseeing spots, “Dazaifu” always comes out even among the many sightseeing spots. Access from the city center is also good, and the attractions are gathered compactly, so it is perfect for day trips.
“Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” where the famous Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined as “academic god” is a popular spot in Fukuoka sightseeing. While being a sacred place to feel the history and tradition, it is full of elements stimulated by sensibility, such as modern artworks dotted in the precincts and fashionable cafés lining up on the approach.
“Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” which is less than an hour by train from the Hakata / Tenjin area, the center of Fukuoka prefecture, is a popular sightseeing spot in Fukuoka Prefecture where about 8 million visitors come annually. There are also situations in which the god of academics is enshrined, and the New Year ‘s Day and the examination season are especially crowded with students and families.
The first sight is Dazaifu Monzen Machi, an approach to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine with a total length of over 200 meters. This Dazaifu Monzen Machi is an approach to the entrance of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine only about 5 minutes long, but various stores such as eating and drinking, coffee and souvenir are crowded. It is a spot that further enhances the elevated feelings until arriving at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This approach is roughly divided into two, Omachi district and Baba district. Please enjoy the shops surrounding the approach path.
“Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” is not only the head shrine of Tenmangu Shrine that there are over one million nationwide, it is also a shrine with a history of SUGAWARA no Michizane’s graveyard. This is a popular tourist spot where 10 million people visit each year. It is famous as a shrine that worships the “god of study” since it is a place of dedicating Tenjin-sama (the deified spirit of SUGAWARA no Michizane).
There is a bridge in the middle of the approach to the main hall. It is three consecutive bridges in which “past, present, future” was expressed. The past is curved, the present is flat, the future is also curved, it is hung on “Shinji-ike Pond” made in the form of kanji “heart”. When going to the godhead, it is said that the intention to purify both mentally and physically and eradicate evil spirits. Even if you are in a hurry, let’s first visit this arched bridge before visiting.
“Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” which many visitors come not only from Japan but also from overseas. There are many places of interest that are not just for visiting and historic sites. A souvenir choice in a lively approach and gourmet is also one of enjoyment. Why don’t you go out to “Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” which is a place that Japan boasts.
Known as the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane
The Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine in Dazaifu-shi, Fukuoka, is one of Tenman-gu Shrine which venerating Sugawara no Michizane who is known as the god of learning, and it is celebrated Shinto shrine which is famous as the head Tenman-gu Shrine in the whole country. In every year, total 10 million worshipers come to visit here from foreign countries to say nothing of all over Japan. It is one of the Shinto shrines on behalf of Japan.
Particularly during the examination season
Particularly during the New Year and the examination season, it receives not only many visitors from all over the country but also numerous requests to pray by post and fax.
Unprecedented success
SUGAWARA no Michizane being worshipped in Dazaifu Tenmangu was born in Kyoto in 845. He showed prominent talent on both sports and studies, for example, writing a waka (31-syllable Japanese poem) from the time he was small. He accomplished unprecedented success in life, finally reached the Udaijin (Minister of the Right), and played important role at the center of the politics.
Demoted because of the conspiracy
He rendered service to his country, but he was demoted because of the conspiracy by Minister of the Left, Fujiwara no Tokihira who felt jealous of his abilities, and degraded to Dazaifu (governmental office in Chikuzen Province), died in despair.
Enshrining and worshipping him as holy spirits
Because of ominous events continued in Kyoto after his death, it was said to have been cursed by Michizane’s vengeful spirit. The present Dazaifu Tenmangu was built on Michizane’s cemetery by enshrining and worshipping him as holy spirits. His innocence was proved afterwards, and he came to be revered by people after that.
Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)
| Name: | Dazaifu Tenmangu (Shrine) |
| Adresse: | 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka, 818-0195, Japan |
| Access: | Nishitetsu-Dazaifu-sen Line “Dazaifu-eki Station” (5 minutes walk) |
| Tel: | (+81) 92-922-8225 |
| Price/Charge: | Free Note: Admission fees of “Treasure hall” 400 yen (Adult) 200 yen (College Students) 100 yen (Junior High School or Elementary School Students) |
| Official site: | http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/ |
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