Dazaifu Tenmangu

The brilliantly vermilion-painted tower gate was reconstructed in 1914. Its unique design, with a two-tiered roof when viewed from the Taiko Bridge side and a single tier when viewed from the main hall side, was crafted by Ando Tokizo, a master of modern shrine architecture.

Let’s go and see! Dazaifu Tenmangu

• History

  Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was established on the grave of Sugawara Michizane (845–903), a scholar, poet, diplomat, and politician in the early Heian period. The shrine attracts many worshippers from both Japan and abroad as a shrine dedicated to the deity of Learning, Culture, and Warding off Misfortune.

• A Special Temporary Hall Available for a Limited Three-Year Period

  Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is undergoing its first major renovation of its important cultural property, Honen, the main hall, in 124 years. This in preparation for the year 2027, which marks the 1,125th anniversary of the death of Michizane, in honor of the number 25 which is deeply symbolic of him. During the renovation of the main shrine, visitors can worship at a special temporary hall. This temporary hall is designed based on the legendary tale of the flying plum blossom tree that flew to Dazaifu overnight from Kyoto, in admiration of Michizane.
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• Every 25th Day of the Month is Dedicated to Tenjin-sama

  The 25th is regarded as Tenjin-sama’s Day, which coincides with Michizane's birthday and the day of his passing and is celebrated with a monthly ceremony known as Tsukinamisai. A special umegae mochi made of mugwort is available along the pathway leading up to the shrine only on this day.
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  Taiko-bashi

  The Sori-bashi (arched bridge), Hira-bashi (flat-bridge), and Sori-bashi (arched bridge) over the Shinji-ike Pond are collectively known as the Taiko-bashi bridge. Each represent the past, the present and the future respectively, and you can purify yourself mentally and physically by crossing the bridges.
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  Goshingyu

  In honor of Michizane being born in the Year of the Ox and the fact that the sacred site chosen for the construction of the Main Hall was designated because of its connection to an ox, there are 11 statues of sacred oxen enshrined in the precincts. They are believed to be a source of wisdom.

• Enjoy the Abundant Nature!

  The nature on the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu show a variety of seasonal expressions. No matter when you visit, you can enjoy seasonal scenery, so be sure to take in the nature within the precincts of the shrine.

• Nature Calendar

  Plum Blossoms (late January to early March), Camphor trees' young leaves(April to May), Hydrangea, and Irises (late May to June).
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  Irises

  The irises blooming along the Shobu-ike Pond, are at their best around June every year. 30,000 gorgeous blooms of about 55 species make a beautiful appearance. Around that time of year, the lights are also lit at night which only add to the flowers’ ambiance.
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  Giant Camphor Tree

  The giant camphor tree with its expansive branches on the west side of the precinct is a nationally designated natural monument. In early summer, new shoots of camphor leaves unfurl to create a beautiful season of fresh greenery. The vicinity of Dazaifu is considered the northern limit of naturally occurring camphor forests; and, within the precinct, around 100 camphor trees of various sizes stand tall. Among them, 51 trees including the nationally designated natural monument, are registered as a Fukuoka Prefecture designated natural monument called the Forest of Tenjin.
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  Tobiume

  The sacred tree Tobiume (flying plum) is said to have flown from Kyoto in one night, following Michizane. There are about 200 kinds and 6000 trees of white and red plums in the grounds, and the best season to see them is from late January to early March.
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  Paper Fortune

  The paper fortune change color with each season, encompassing a total of 11 colors throughout the year. This unique fusion of Japanese tradition and cutting-edge technology represent the quality of being Japanese, and has been selected as one of the 100 New Japanese Styles for its attempt to blend tradition with innovation.

• Enjoy an Art Exploration at the Keidai Art Museum!

  You can explore, enjoy, and learn from various forms of art at the precinct of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine which enshrines Michizane, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. For specific details regarding public exhibitions, please check the "Announcements" section on the Keidai Art Museum website.
  *Exhibitions may be temporarily suspended due to shrine events and other activities.
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  Really shiny stuff that doesn't mean anything
  本当にキラキラするけれど
  何の意味もないもの
  ライアン・ガンダー（Ryan Gander）
  -平成23年（2011）-
  
  ©Ryan Gander, 2011 Courtesy of TARO NASU Photo by Yasushi Ichikawa
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  ©Lawrence Weiner, 2020 Courtesy of TARO NASU Photo by Taro Misako
  THE CENTER OF A CENTER
  ひとつの中心のその中心
  ローレンス・ウィナー（Lawrence Weiner）
  -令和2年（2020）-
  
  ©Lawrence Weiner, 2020 Courtesy of TARO NASU Photo by Taro Misako
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  Morning Prayer

  A morning worship ceremony is held daily at 8:30 AM. Shinto priests gather in the temporary hall, recite the Ohharae-no-kotoba (Great Purification Prayer) with attendees, and perform a purification ritual to cleanse both mind and body. It is open to everyone.
  *Morning worship ceremony may not be held on certain days due to circumstances.

• Official website