Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮) is a Shinto shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, about 15 kilometers southeast of the prefectural capital, Fukuoka.
It has a history of more than 1,100 years and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845–903), a scholar, poet, and politician who was deified as Tenjin, the god of learning and literature. In 901, Mijizane was suddenly demoted from his position as Minister of the Right (Udaijin) and sent to work in Dazaifu, where he died two years later. Tenmangu Shrine was built on the site of his grave.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of some 12,000 Tenjin shrines in Japan. Each year, more than ten million visitors visit the shrine, including many students who come to pray for academic success, making the shrine one of Fukuoka’s top destinations.
The main hall which is under restoration, dates back to 1591 and is registered as an Important Cultural Property.
Sugawara no Michizane loved plum blossoms, and the Tenjin shrines are closely associated with plum trees. There are 6,000 plum trees on the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu, creating a picturesque atmosphere from late January to early March.
Within the shrine grounds are the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum and the Kanko Historical Museum. Just a five-minute walk from the shrine, with direct access, is the Kyushu National Museum, one of Japan’s four national museums.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is located about 250 meters from Dazaifu Station. It is easily accessible from Fukuoka city, in about 30 minutes by train or 40 minutes by bus.
Photos: Junko Nagata ©Japanbyweb.com, 10/2025