PLANFirst-Time Visitors
All You Need to Know About Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines and a major Fukuoka attraction. It enshrines Sugawara Michizane and is renowned as the shrine of learning. Millions of people visit the shrine to worship Sugawara, pray for academic success, and enjoy the grounds and on-site artworks. Learn more about the shrine, the grounds, Dazaifu Tenmangu's connection to art and other useful information such as nearby attractions. Everything you need know for your first-time visit is here.
About Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu welcomes more than 10 million visitors a year. It is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, the head of 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide, and one of the top places to visit in Fukuoka. The shrine's main sanctuary enshrines and is built over the burial site of Sugawara Michizane, a legendary figure who made invaluable contributions to Japanese society and culture. He is worshipped at Dazaifu Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines throughout the country as Tenjin, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts.
Prayers and Blessings
Dazaifu Tenmangu is an inclusive shrine, welcoming all visitors. Anyone can offer a prayer or receive a blessing here. Blessings are available in the form of omikuji fortunes, amulets, and special ceremonies. These require a donation and are available at different counters within the grounds. Prayers are offered in front of the honden main sanctuary. Dazaifu Tenmangu is a sanctuary for learning, so many visitors to the shrine pray for academic success and luck in passing exams.
Art
From centuries-old torii gates and beautifully arched taiko-bashi bridges to shingyu ox statues, marble komainu guardian dogs and contemporary artworks by leading international artists, Dazaifu Tenmangu is an open-air gallery. The shrine has a reputation as a sanctuary for the arts because of Sugawara Michizane, who is enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu as the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. Discover Dazaifu Tenmangu, a center for artistic inspiration.
View More©︎Tomoyuki Kambe
A Moment of Eternity(one of a set of two screens), 2011
Unique Experiences
Dazaifu Tenmangu welcomes visitors to experience Shinto customs, observe long-held ceremonies, and enjoy contemporary artworks in a very special setting. Anyone can visit the main sanctuary and offer a prayer to the enshrined deity of learning, culture, and the arts. You can see invaluable artifacts in the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum, watch a colorful parade at a festival, and receive a blessing in the form of an amulet or special ceremony. We invite you to enjoy the grounds and experience all aspects of the shrine.
Dazaifu Tenmangu and the Seasons
The grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu and the surrounding hillsides are a constantly changing natural canvas, enjoyable at any time of the year. The shrine is most famous for its plum trees, which bloom from late January and continue into early March. Spring brings cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, and azaleas. Irises bloom in early summer. The leaves of towering camphor trees offer shade in the peak of summer. Autumn is characterized by chrysanthemums and colorful maple leaves. Each visit offers a unique experience.
Getting to Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of Fukuoka's top destinations. It is easily accessible from Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and the downtown Tenjin area by bus, taxi, or train. Depending on your point of departure and mode of transport, you can reach the shrine in as little as 30 minutes. It is possible to visit the shrine for a morning or afternoon, but we recommend a full day to explore the grounds and on-site museums at your leisure.
Exploring Dazaifu
Combine your visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu with one of the many other attractions in the area. Kamado Shrine is a short bus ride away, set on the mountainside with views out over Dazaifu. Kyushu National Museum neighbors Dazaifu Tenmangu and covers Japanese history from the Jomon period (coinciding with the Neolithic period in Europe) through to the Meiji period (1868–1912). Kanzeonji Temple, also walkable from the shrine, is home to a special collection of Buddhist statues. You can get more information on these and other attractions at the tourist information center at Dazaifu Station.
Downloadable Information
Dazaifu Tenmangu wishes all visitors the very best experience when visiting the shrine surrounding area. To make the most of your time, maps, brochures, and other useful downloadables about the shrine, nearby attractions, and the city of Dazaifu can be downloaded here. The same information is also available at tourist information centers in Fukuoka and at the tourist information center at Dazaifu Station.
