overview
This ancient shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, is one of Kyushu's most popular places of worship. Famous for its red and white plum blossoms, it bustles with activity from winter to spring, and is famous for its souvenir shops along the approach to the shrine and its fragrant "Umegae mochi" (rice cakes). It's a cultural hub on a par with the Kyushu National Museum, and is constantly visited by worshippers throughout the year.
Highlights
- Main hall: A majestic shrine building and the beautiful scenery of Shinji Pond
- Plum Garden: A charming plum grove and its fragrance, perfect for early spring cherry blossom viewing
- Approach to the shrine: souvenir shops, restaurants, and the famous "Umegae Mochi"
access
Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line, transfer at Futsukaichi, and get off at Dazaifu Station. It's about 30-40 minutes from central Fukuoka. From Hakata, you can transfer to the JR line and get there. The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Estimated stay
It takes 1-2 hours to worship and stroll along the approach to the shrine. If you also visit the Kyushu National Museum and surrounding temples, it will take about half a day. The required time will vary depending on the season and how busy it is.
Nearby spots
- Kyushu National Museum (Dazaifu)
- Komyozenji Temple (Dazaifu City)
- Kaidan-in Temple (Dazaifu City)
Points to note
The shrine gets very crowded during the peak plum blossom season and New Year's visit period. The approach to the shrine is narrow and can be slippery in rainy weather, so please walk carefully and be considerate of those around you (refrain from shouting or drinking alcohol).
