When visiting Fukuoka, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a stop you shouldn't miss. It enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the “god of learning, culture, and the arts,” and is an important sacred site of Tenmangu worship in Japan, attracting large numbers of visitors each year.
Walking along the approach, you'll find one souvenir, dessert, and snack shop after another. Even before entering the shrine, the lively street scene draws you in, with tradition and modernity naturally coexisting here.
The first thing you'll encounter is the iconic sacred ox statue. There's always a long line at the one near the entrance, as legend says rubbing the ox's head brings wisdom. Look closely and you'll see that its head and horns have been polished to a shine by countless hands—apparently, plenty of people want to become smarter.
Further ahead are Shinji Pond and the arched bridges. The three vermilion bridges symbolize the past, present, and future, and crossing them also represents gradually approaching the sacred presence of the deity.
The “Flying Plum Tree” to the right of the main sanctuary is also not to be missed. Legend says that when Sugawara Michizane left Kyoto, the plum tree, longing for its master, flew to Dazaifu overnight, giving rise to the legend of the “Flying Plum Tree.” Renovations to the main sanctuary are now in their final stages. During the work, a temporary hall designed by architect Sou Fujimoto has served as the place of worship, creating an interesting scene where a traditional shrine and modern architecture come together.
After paying your respects, don't forget the amulets and goshuin shrine seal. Academic success amulets are the most popular, but there are also amulets for health and longevity, traffic safety, finding love, and more.
Once you leave the shrine, the food tour is just beginning. Dazaifu's specialty, umegae mochi, is best eaten hot. Despite the word “ume,” or plum, in its name, it doesn't actually contain any plum. It's made with a glutinous rice cake exterior wrapped around sweet red bean paste and stamped with a plum blossom pattern. The outside is slightly crisp, while the filling is warm and sweet. Eating it as you walk is the most authentic Dazaifu experience.
When your feet get tired, you can also take a break at the Starbucks designed by Kengo Kuma. The traditional wooden lattice structure extends from the entrance into the store, with interlocking wood creating a distinctive, warm space.
A visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine connects sights and food all along the way, from the sacred ox, arched bridges, and Flying Plum Tree to amulets, umegae mochi, and Starbucks. It may seem like a sightseeing stroll, but every spot holds a story about Sugawara Michizane. Perhaps that's what makes Dazaifu a place people want to visit again and again.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
-
Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line
This 14.3 km long local line connects Wakayama Station and Kishi Station. Originally operated by a major operator, the line was reported to be closed due to long-standing losses. However, thanks to enthusiastic efforts by residents along the line, the local government publicly recruited a successor operator to ensure the continuation of the line, and in 2006 the line was reopened as Wakayama Electric Railway.
Drawn by a calico stationmaster cat, I came to Idakiso Station and boarded the luxurious Tama train to Kishi Station. Kishi Station became famous after the cat stationmaster Tama began serving there. The first Tama, who took office in 2007, has since become an angel, and the current successor is Yontama, or “Tama the Fourth,” carrying on the lovable image and friendliness of the cat stationmaster.
The station itself also incorporates many cute cat elements. The roof is shaped like cat ears, and the walls feature cat patterns. The whole design is full of childlike charm, with plenty of cute cat-themed details inside and outside the station. Travelers who come because of its reputation get excited as soon as they step off the train. It really is a must-visit stop for cat lovers.
The cute and charming calico stationmaster not only raised Kishi Station’s profile but also boosted local tourism. Decorated around a cat theme and equipped with cat-themed facilities, Kishi Station has successfully become a famous Wakayama attraction. It has not only revitalized the local area but also made this once sparsely visited station widely known. Kishi Station is more than just a transportation hub; it is also a successful example of using creativity to promote local development. Today, its unique charm and warm atmosphere attract countless visitors who come to experience this little cat station filled with love and boundless creativity.
The souvenir shop inside Kishi Station is packed with all kinds of merchandise. Located next to Tama Cafe, it is also themed around the legendary cat stationmaster Tama and sells Tama-themed creative goods. I wanted to “splurge” on every single one and take them home 😆😆.
Across from Kishi Station is Kinokawa City’s tourist exchange center, “Kirari.” Its exterior is also very cute, with the second-floor windows resembling a pair of big doll eyes. Inside is an information center offering travel information and transportation guides, making it convenient for visitors to learn about nearby attractions and how to get around.
I fell in love with Wakayama on my first visit. Next, I’ll slowly start checking off the other attractions〜 -
-
Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan
The museum is located within the premises of the World Heritage site, Byodoin, famous for its magnificent Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) which recreates the Pure Land of Bliss in this world.
My second visit to Byodoin in Uji. Phoenix Hall sits in the middle of Aji Pond, its vermilion structure reflected on the water. It looks impressive from every angle, especially when sunlight makes the golden phoenixes on the roof stand out.
I recommend paying extra to tour the interior of Phoenix Hall. Seeing the golden Amida Buddha up close, surrounded by the variously posed Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, is both solemn and intricate, and truly more awe-inspiring than viewing them from across the pond. Photography isn't allowed, but that lets you focus on the thousand-year-old Buddhist statues and murals before you. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with flowers and trees changing through the seasons. Walking beside the pond in the gentle breeze and looking at Phoenix Hall's reflection naturally slows you down.
Photography is prohibited inside the Hoshokan Museum, so engage all five senses and take it in. The exhibits include the temple bell, Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, a pair of phoenixes, and the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, an Important Cultural Property. The Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds are especially memorable. Their poses—flying on clouds, playing music, dancing, and pressing their palms together—symbolize the Pure Land of Bliss.
Overall, Byodoin isn't just a place to see architecture and take pictures. You can also experience the aesthetics and Pure Land faith of the Heian period. If you visit Uji, it's well worth setting aside time to stroll around and appreciate it at a leisurely pace. -
-
JR Central Towers
A building directly connected to the terminal station, consisting of two towers with a height of over 200m. Department stores JR Nagoya Takashimaya, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, restaurants, offices, etc. are combined.
Nagoya Station brings together transportation, dining, department stores, and specialty shops. Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and JR all converge here, and the surrounding area is packed with high-rises, making it lively and bustling. Besides looking around this time, I also wanted to visit an “old friend”—Nana-chan. She happened to be getting a wardrobe change today and was dressed in a cool outfit. Cool!
-
