| Dazaifu Tenman-gu | 太宰府天満宮 |
| Dazaifu (太宰府市) | July 26, 2025 (Reiwa 7) |
About Dazaifu Tenman-gu
Dazaifu Tenman-gu, as well as Kitano Tenman-gu in Kyoto, is one of the most important Tenman-gu shrines dedicated to the Heian Era scholar, Sugawara Michizane. After his death in Dazaifu, there were a series of natural disasters, prompting the the construction of the shrine on the site of Sugawara’s grave.
One of the niftier characteristics of this shrine are the taiko bridges that you take across the large, heart-shaped pond to get to the main shrine.
The street leading up the shrine is lined with shops and restaurants where you can get some souvenirs and great food.
My Visit
It was hot. This summer (2025) is hot. It’s hot every year, but as time goes on, it keeps getting hotter and hotter.
We parked really close to the shrine, but even such a short walk took a toll on us pre-lunch. We stopped at Kagura Gyumentai for a gorgeous lunch. They’re famous for their combination beef and mentaiko on rice. The waiters carry out the trays with huge, decorative wooden boxes and only lifts them when the table is fully set. It was pretty dramatic. I don’t actually like mentaiko because it’s bizarrely spicy, but I enjoyed it here.
The main shrine was under construction when we visited, so a temporary main shrine was on display. It was probably the most beautiful temporary main shrine I’ve ever seen. It had plants growing on the roof and a simple, elegant modern minimalist design. I was glad I got to see it.
Links
Homepage (EN)
Omairi (JP)
What a magical excursion! Was the pond intentionally made as a heart or did they use that shape then? The food sounds so good. If I ever visit, this is definitely a sure destination spot!
I think it’s natural. If they did make the pond that way, it’s been there long enough that it looks natural.