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    At Homangu Kamado Jinja in Dazaifu, Fukuoka, I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere of the shrine surrounded by greenery. Walking slowly uphill along the approach, the whole setting felt peaceful and pleasant.

    The shrine is famous for prayers for love and good relationships, which added a touch of romance to this trip. Entering the shrine and praying in person felt especially serene, very different from the lively atmosphere of Dazaifu Tenmangu.

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    Within the grounds of Kamado Jinja, there's a shrine dedicated to Muso Gonnosuke, the founder of Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art. During the Ryuso Festival held in September, you can watch impressive performances by practitioners of the staff and sword who come from all over Japan.

    There was also a café near Kamado Jinja that had kawara soba (a specialty from Yamaguchi Prefecture) on the menu, possibly inspired by Demon Slayer, since it was served on a roof tile. It was delicious!

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    To reach the upper shrine, you need to start from the trailhead and walk along the Kyushu Nature Trail. The hike isn't too tough, and if you visit during the autumn leaves season, it's truly beautiful!

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    Unlike most shrines, the office here has a really stylish design and feels like a boutique with its displays.

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    It's not too far from Tenmangu, but you do need to take a bus up here. The shrine office has a nice blend of traditional and modern design, and it looks beautiful. There are also lots of cute omamori charms to choose from.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa