Dazaifu Tenmangu

At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, in addition to the acceptance of studies, there are also prayers for blessings such as “Avoidance of Bad Luck”, safety (well-being) of one’s family, and so on.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine receives about 10,000,000 worship-visitors a year, especially during the New Year’s holidays (January 1-3), when the number of worship-visitors is about 2,000,000. This number is the largest in Kyushu and ranks 7th or 8th in Japan.

Brief History

During the Yayoi Period (from 1000 BC to 250 AD) and the Kofun Period (from 250 to 600 AD), the coast of the Genkai-nada Sea — where Dazaifu is located—was a strategic point to what was referred to as “the window to the Asian continent.

For this reason, a branch of the ancient Japanese state was established in Dazaifu in the late 7th century, and thereafter Dazaifu became the military, diplomatic, and cultural center of Kyushu as a whole.

Later, during the Heian period (794-1185), the authority of Dazaifu was strengthened and its importance in terms of trading increased, and from the 10th to 13th centuries, trade with China, Korea, and other foreign countries flourished.

However, with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate in 1185, the political function of Dazaifu was lost.

Dazaifu continued to prosper to a certain extent after the 13th century, but from the end of the Warring States Period (1467-1590), when the feudal lords who ruled the area fell, the area became a quiet farming village, with only Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and its gate town attracting visitors.

　

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was originally built in 905 as a shrine to the tomb of Sugawara no Michizane.

The shrine was built in 919 by an imperial decree of Emperor Daigo (885-930), who feared that the shrine was possessed by Sugawara no Michizane.

Since then, the shrine has been worshipped mainly by the Imperial Court, but it did not become popular until the Kuroda clan, who became lords of the area in the early Edo period (1603-1868), began to constantly maintain Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and repair and build the shrine pavilions.

Since then, the shrine has stood as the symbol of Kyushu, attracting many worshippers to this day.

　

Now, a brief history on Sugawara no Michizane(845-903) — the man enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu —a very famous and respected figure in Japan as the “god of learning.

into a family of scholars, he was a child prodigy and excelled in learning to the point of becoming a doctor of letters (monjo hakase), the highest rank of scholar.

Although he was a low-ranking nobleman, his talent and ability were recognized, and he achieved an exceptional rise to the position of Minister of the Right.

This feared the Fujiwara clan, the highest authority at the time, which lead to falsely accusing Michizane of a crime he didn’t commit, relegating him to Dazaifu.

Two years later, Sugawara no Michizane  died of despair.

Interestingly, immediately after his death, natural disasters occurred frequently in various regions of Japan, and the Imperial family and the Fujiwara clan suffered mysterious deaths and illnesses in rapid succession.

People were horrified, claiming that Sugawara no Michizane had cursed the land, but the decisive event was a lightning strike on the palace in 930.

Seven people, including nobles and warriors guarding the palace, were killed by lightning and fire.

This frightened Emperor Daigo (885-930), whose health deteriorated rapidly, and he died a few months later.

After this, Tenmangu shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane were erected in various places to appease his spirit, and the curse ceased to occur.

　

In the precincts of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, visitors can enjoy the flowers and plants of the four seasons.

The temple is especially famous for its plum blossoms, including the flying ume plum tree, which legend has it flew to Kyoto longing for him.

Roughly 6,000 plum trees proudly bloom from late January to late March.

In addition, cherry blossoms, camphor trees, irises, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and autumn leaves are also wonderful.

Also, the 400-meter-long approach to the temple is lined with about 90 stores, including souvenir stores, cafes, and fast food restaurants, making it a lively and enjoyable place to walk.

Many of the restaurants and eateries are well-known for their high quality.

The Kyushu National Museum, where visitors can experience and learn about history and culture, is also nearby.