Dazaifu Tenmangu
Located on the outskirts of the city Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of the most popular attractions with tourists and day trips run frequently that can be organised through Fukuoka hotels.
Of all the Tenmangu Shrines in Japan, which number in the hundreds, Dazaifu Tenmangu is the most revered along with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. The shrines are in honour of Sugawara Michizane, a politician from the Heian era. Michizane was famous for his ability to learn and educational achievements and is now associated with the Shinto education deity, Tenjin.
Michizane's talents could be seen early on when he started writing poetry at eleven years old. From here he went into politics and quickly gathered popularity to the point that he held considerable influence at the imperial court. The dominant Fujiwara clan however grew wary of Michizane's power and he was then exiled from Kyoto to stay in far away Dazaifu.
After only a short time in exile Michizane died in 903 in Dazaifu and following his death there were a number of natural disasters that swept through the country. The people believed that it was Michizane's angry spirit that caused the destruction and offerings were made to appease him. The Tenmangu Shrine was constructed over his grave and this started the tradition of the building of the shrines.
Visitors can take a train out to Dazaifu and the shrine is very close to the station and hard to miss as the structure spans 250m. At the entrance a traditional torii gate stands ceremoniously and having walked through visitors will be confronted with a serene pond with an elegant bridge that crosses the water and islands. The pond itself has been made from the Japanese heart shape character and the islands are symbols of the past, present and the future.
From the bridges the walled courtyard contains the honden which is the main hall of the shrine and on the right hand side is a plum tree which holds particular significance. The legend around the tree is that it is a flying plum tree that managed to miraculously transport itself by flying from Kyoto to be with Michizane as he went into exile. Partial to plum trees there are around 6,000 within the temple grounds for Michizane and visitors to enjoy.
In the shops by the honden this is where anyone looking for a little luck can pick up all sorts of charms and especially students as the shops have a number of trinkets that can help with passing exams. Over the time of entry exams the shrine is busier than ever with hundreds of students coming to buy charms and say a prayer for good luck. It's also possible to buy one of the ema charms which is a small wooden plate where you can write down your wish and leave it at the shrine so that the wish might come true. During exam periods the shrine has ema charms hanging everywhere although undoubtedly the wishes will all be the same.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum is found between the honden and the pond and inside are various treasures which can be seen in detail. Behind the honden the Kanko Historical Museum then gives an explanation of the main achievements and events in Michizane's life including the events leading up to his exile. All the information is in Japanese although a pamphlet can be picked up which explains each scene in English.
Nearby the shrine and within walking distance is the colossal Kyushu National Museum and is one of only four national museums in Japan. Here people can continue in the spirit of Michizane's thirst for learning and find out about Japan's rich heritage.
Of all the Tenmangu Shrines in Japan, which number in the hundreds, Dazaifu Tenmangu is the most revered along with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. The shrines are in honour of Sugawara Michizane, a politician from the Heian era. Michizane was famous for his ability to learn and educational achievements and is now associated with the Shinto education deity, Tenjin.
Michizane's talents could be seen early on when he started writing poetry at eleven years old. From here he went into politics and quickly gathered popularity to the point that he held considerable influence at the imperial court. The dominant Fujiwara clan however grew wary of Michizane's power and he was then exiled from Kyoto to stay in far away Dazaifu.
After only a short time in exile Michizane died in 903 in Dazaifu and following his death there were a number of natural disasters that swept through the country. The people believed that it was Michizane's angry spirit that caused the destruction and offerings were made to appease him. The Tenmangu Shrine was constructed over his grave and this started the tradition of the building of the shrines.
Visitors can take a train out to Dazaifu and the shrine is very close to the station and hard to miss as the structure spans 250m. At the entrance a traditional torii gate stands ceremoniously and having walked through visitors will be confronted with a serene pond with an elegant bridge that crosses the water and islands. The pond itself has been made from the Japanese heart shape character and the islands are symbols of the past, present and the future.
From the bridges the walled courtyard contains the honden which is the main hall of the shrine and on the right hand side is a plum tree which holds particular significance. The legend around the tree is that it is a flying plum tree that managed to miraculously transport itself by flying from Kyoto to be with Michizane as he went into exile. Partial to plum trees there are around 6,000 within the temple grounds for Michizane and visitors to enjoy.
In the shops by the honden this is where anyone looking for a little luck can pick up all sorts of charms and especially students as the shops have a number of trinkets that can help with passing exams. Over the time of entry exams the shrine is busier than ever with hundreds of students coming to buy charms and say a prayer for good luck. It's also possible to buy one of the ema charms which is a small wooden plate where you can write down your wish and leave it at the shrine so that the wish might come true. During exam periods the shrine has ema charms hanging everywhere although undoubtedly the wishes will all be the same.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum is found between the honden and the pond and inside are various treasures which can be seen in detail. Behind the honden the Kanko Historical Museum then gives an explanation of the main achievements and events in Michizane's life including the events leading up to his exile. All the information is in Japanese although a pamphlet can be picked up which explains each scene in English.
Nearby the shrine and within walking distance is the colossal Kyushu National Museum and is one of only four national museums in Japan. Here people can continue in the spirit of Michizane's thirst for learning and find out about Japan's rich heritage.
