Dazaihu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮) is a Shinto shrine located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian period who is worshipped as a deity of learning and academic achievement.
According to legend, Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu in 901, where he died in 903. After his death, a number of calamities befell the imperial court, and it was believed that they were caused by the angry spirit of Michizane. To appease his spirit, a shrine was built in Dazaifu in 905, and Michizane was enshrined there as Tenjin, the god of scholarship.
Today, Dazaihu Tenmangu is a popular destination for students seeking to pray for success in their studies. The shrine is particularly busy during exam season, when students flock to the shrine to offer prayers and leave ema (votive plaques) with their wishes and prayers written on them. The shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and architecture, which attract tourists from around the world.
Getting there
From Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine:
| Train | Hakata Station ↓ Nanakura Line ↓ 6 minutes (4 stops) Yakuin Station ↓ Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line ↓ 23 minutes (6 stops) Dazaifu Station ↓ Walk about 4 minutes ↓ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Cost 580 yen) |
| Bus | Hakata Station Hakata Bus Terminal ↓ Local Direct (Dazaifu Station) ↓ 40 minutes (4 stops) Dazaifu Station Bus Stop Dazaifu Station ↓ Walk about 4 minutes ↓ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine |
Details
| Hours | April to May and September to November / 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM June to August / 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM December to March / 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 92-922-8225 |
| Address | 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117 |
| Official Website | https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/ |
