Dazaifu Tenmangu

Renovation Notice: The main hall (Honden) of Daizafu Tenmangu is currently undergoing major renovations, which commenced May 2023 and is expected to finish around 2026.

Dazaifu Tenmangū (太宰府天満宮, or Dazaifu Shrine) is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The shrine has a rich history, being established in the year 919 AD. Dazaifu Tenmangū is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845–903), a revered scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian period. After his death, Michizane was deified as Tenjin, the kami (deity) of scholarship and learning. The shrine was built over his grave to honour his legacy and appease his spirit.

The shrine’s expansive grounds cover approximately 3,000 acres and feature several notable structures. One of the most impressive structures is the main hall (honden). The current structure dates back to 1591 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. As of May 2023, the renovations on the honden commenced and are expected to last until 2026.

The shrine’s grounds are sizeable, spanning approximately 250 meters from one end to the other. The grounds are also teeming with plum blossoms, as Michizane had a particular fondness for them. As such, there are around 6000 of them on the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu. Plum blossoms typically bloom from late February to mid-March.

On the main approach to the shrine, visitors will pass through the torii gate at the entrance, and will come across a pond that was built in the shape of the Japanese character for “heart”. A path leads across two arched bridges and islands, which represent the past, present and future.

The lead up to the shrine from the station is a large shopping street perfect for souvenirs. There is also a regional specialty sold here, hot rice cakes loaded with red bean paste.

Hours and Admission

Accessing Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

The Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine is only a short walk away along a shopping street from the Dazaifu Station.

Coming from Hakata Station, it will only take you 45 minutes via train to reach the shrine, but that will involve a couple transfers, so just make sure you know where and when to be for the transfer. The train journey will cost only 600JPY one way.

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