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Dazaifu Tenmangu 太宰府天満宮
Dazaifu, Fukuoka · Open in Google Maps
Dazaifu Tenmangū stands over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, the scholar who died here in exile and became Tenjin, god of learning. It is the head of the Tenmangū shrines with Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto.
What to look for
- In front of the main hall grows the Tobiume, the "flying plum". Legend says Michizane's beloved plum tree flew from Kyoto overnight to be with him.
- The approach from the station is lined with shops selling umegae-mochi, grilled rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste.
- Arched bridges cross a pond shaped like the Japanese character for "heart".
Enshrined kami
- Sugawara no Michizane 菅原道真公
What people pray for here
Study and exams, above all.
Etiquette
It is an easy trip from Fukuoka and is crowded in exam season and plum season.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.