[7 Popular Tourist Spots in Dazaifu] A Town Where the History and Culture of Ancient Japan Live On

If you are visiting Dazaifu, spring is the best season.
That’s because in spring, you can see beautiful plum and cherry blossoms decorating shrines and temples, especially within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
In the shrine and temple grounds, brightly colored in white and pink, you will be able to strongly feel the essence of Japan.
If you can adjust your travel schedule, be sure to visit in spring.

You can take a direct bus from the bus terminal at Hakata Station and reach Dazaifu in about 45 minutes.
Although it requires several transfers, it is also possible to get there by train.
From Tokyo Station, take the shinkansen to Hakata Station, then head to Dazaifu by the same direct bus. The trip takes about 6 hours.
From Osaka Station, first take a train to Shin-Osaka Station, then board the shinkansen to Hakata Station. Including the direct bus ride, the trip takes about 4 hours.

The head shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan, dedicated to Tenjin-sama (Sugawara no Michizane).
Sugawara no Michizane was unjustly exiled from Kyoto to Dazaifu due to political maneuvering, and he died in this land.
The main hall was built over his grave site.
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1591 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Dazaifu, where the museum is located, was an important hub in ancient Japanese history and a place that oversaw the Kyushu region while maintaining active exchange with the world.
Against this background, the museum opened in 2005 as Japan’s fourth national museum, with the unique concept of “understanding the formation of Japanese culture from the perspective of Asian history.”
Its main feature is the large-scale Cultural Exchange Exhibition Room on the 4th floor, which introduces the history of cultural exchange between Japan and countries in Asia and Europe.

Kamado Shrine has a history of more than 1,350 years. It enshrines Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto and has long been worshipped as a deity of matchmaking.
It has also been worshipped as a deity for protection from misfortune and evil.
Located at the foot of Mount Homan, it is also known for beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
Today, it is said to be a sacred place connected to Demon Slayer, and many fans visit for pilgrimage-like trips.

This shrine was founded in the early 16th century and enshrines Emperor Ojin. It is revered as the local guardian deity and tutelary shrine of the Sakamoto district.
This shrine became known throughout Japan for its connection to the Japanese era name Reiwa.
Nearby is the site of the Dazaifu Government Office established in the Nara period, and the area around the shrine is said to have once been the residence of the Manyoshu poet Otomo no Tabito, who was assigned to the government office ruins.

An amusement park located next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan and well known as a shrine dedicated to the god of learning.
It opened in October 1957, and one of its charms is its retro atmosphere.
The park offers around 20 attractions that even small children can enjoy.
The children’s train and Lucky Merry-Go-Round can be enjoyed from age 0 when accompanied by a guardian.
Thrill rides such as mini bikes and sky cycles are also available from age 2 with a guardian, making it an ideal spot for a child’s first amusement park visit.

The center of ancient administration that oversaw all of Kyushu from the latter half of the 7th century to the 12th century.
During the Ritsuryo state period, Dazaifu, known as the “Distant Imperial Court,” was established here, with government offices that handled diplomacy, military affairs, and politics standing in grand form.
What once stood here was a dignified complex of official buildings with a main hall, middle gate, and corridors.
Today, its form remains quietly in the foundation stones scattered across the lawn, telling visitors of the splendor of those times.

Shioji Forest Road runs north to south across Mount Shioji, connecting the town in front of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to Umi Town.
It is part of the Kyushu Nature Trail, and because there are also many cultural properties and heritage sites along the road, including the Ono Castle Ruins designated as a National Special Historic Site and the Thirty-Three Stone Buddhas built in the Edo period, you can enjoy a walk full of both natural and historical appeal.
The Iwaya Castle Ruins, a mountain castle built halfway up Mount Shioji and the site of fierce battles between the Shimazu and Otomo clans during the Sengoku period, are also an excellent viewpoint overlooking the townscape of Dazaifu.

Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store opened in 2011 right by the torii gate facing the main approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
It is one of Starbucks’ original-design “Regional Landmark Stores,” developed in symbolic locations across Japan to share the appeal of local culture with the world.

The Dazaifu Sando branch of the famous tonkotsu ramen chain Ichiran, known for its “flavor concentration booths,” where you can enjoy your ramen without worrying about the people around you.
Among Ichiran’s many locations in Japan and overseas as a specialty natural tonkotsu ramen restaurant, this branch has become especially popular for its “Pass Ramen,” created to pray for exam success.

The Dazaifu branch of Fukuya, the original shop behind karashi mentaiko, which is now one of Fukuoka’s signature specialties.
In 1948, founder Toshio Kawahara came up with karashi mentaiko, and it first went on sale the following year at a shop in Nakasu.
At Fukuya Dazaifu Store on the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, you can of course buy Fukuya’s mentaiko and also enjoy mentaiko chazuke in the eat-in space inside the shop.

A popular local burger shop located just off the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
It originally opened as a karaage specialty shop, and now sells four kinds of burgers in addition to fried chicken.
Its signature item is the “Dazaifu Burger,” a local burger filled with house-made jidori fried chicken.
Topped with juicy fried chicken and tartar sauce, plus vegetables, it is a hearty and satisfying dish.