Dazaifu-shi Travel Guide

Dazaifu is a scholastic holy place in Fukuoka centred on Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, god of learning. Six thousand plum trees and the legend of the flying plum fill its grounds, with the Kyushu National Museum, ancient ruins and the shrine approach street nearby - faith, history and culture outside Fukuoka city.

Dazaifu Tenmangu honours Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, and with Kyoto's Kitano and Osaka's Sugawara Tenmangu is one of Japan's three great Tenjin shrines, the top choice for students and examinees praying for success. The approach is lined with plum trees, a bronze ox and craft shops, leading to the main shrine behind which Michizane is enshrined; the flying plum (tobi-ume) is said to have flown here from Kyoto in a single night, a miracle of devotion. Fresh green in spring, plum blossoms in winter and autumn leaves make it a cultured, serene retreat near Fukuoka.