Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning. It is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines and a popular spiritual spot where many people pray for success in their studies and exams. When I visited in early spring, the plum blossoms throughout the grounds were beginning to bloom. The flowers were small and delicate, with a charm completely different from cherry blossoms. After praying, I strolled along the lively approach to the shrine and bought a sweet and tasty umegae mochi. Eating it while browsing the shops made for a relaxing and pleasant experience. It's a great place to spend half a day taking in the atmosphere of Dazaifu at a leisurely pace.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
-
Karii Honpo Mojiko Retro store
This restaurant specializing in yaki curry stands in Mojiko, a popular tourist spot located at the northernmost tip of Kyushu. Yaki Curry is a local dish originating from Mojiko where curry is poured over rice, topped with cheese and eggs, and baked in the oven. The cheese topping, which has now become commonplace, began when the owner, Matsui san, covered the egg yolk with cheese to prevent it from bursting.
It wasn’t until I arrived at Mojiko that I discovered there’s a local specialty here you can’t miss—yaki curry! It may look like ordinary curry rice, but baking it in the oven gives it a different flavor. Rich curry is poured over rice and topped with cheese, and some restaurants also add an egg. It’s baked until the surface is lightly browned and the cheese has melted, making it wonderfully fragrant and especially tempting. This dish is said to have originated in Mojiko in the 1950s, when a café heated curry rice in the oven and accidentally came up with this way of serving it. It gradually became a signature local dish. If you visit Mojiko, don’t forget to try this specialty and add a memorable food experience to your trip!
-
-
Starbucks Coffee Dogo Onsen Station Building
This Starbucks occupies the entire Dogo Onsen Station building on the Iyo Railway. The current station is the third-generation building, restored in 1986 based on the former station building constructed in 1911. It has long served as the gateway to Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring. This distinctive location brings together a historic station building and a coffee shop.
When planning a visit to the Dogo Onsen shopping street and a hot spring bath, don’t forget to stop by this distinctive Starbucks! The store was converted from a classic Japanese-style building, and its wooden exterior and retro atmosphere fit in perfectly with the surrounding hot spring town. Inside, the nostalgic and warm ambiance makes it feel very different from a typical chain coffee shop. Besides having coffee and taking a short break, you may also find a locally inspired JIMOTO Mitsukarakusa mug, featuring design elements from Ehime that make it hard to resist collecting. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this mug the last time I visited, and thinking about it now, I really regret it! If I get the chance to visit again, I’ll definitely bring one home as a travel souvenir.
-
-
Karato market
This fish market welcomes both professionals and tourists alike for shopping. Known for Shimonoseki's specialty Fugu, as well as a market for Sea Bream and Yellowtail, it offers a variety of fresh fish caught by local fishermen. The popular weekly event "Ikiiki-bakangai" also draws crowds every weekend.
When visiting Shimonoseki, Karato Market is a seafood destination you shouldn’t miss! This market mainly sells fresh fish and seafood wholesale and retail. Because it is close to the Kanmon Strait, you can enjoy a fresh and abundant variety of seafood, especially the local specialty, fugu. The stalls are filled with all kinds of nigiri sushi, sashimi, and seafood dishes, so you can choose whatever you want, and the prices are quite affordable. After buying your food, find a spot to enjoy it while taking in the ocean view. It’s definitely a culinary experience full of local flavor!
-
