Visit Japan Web Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of the main shrines dedicated to Tenjin. Its beauty is enhanced by expansive grounds adorned with thousands of exquisite plum trees. The pathway leading to the shrine is flanked by stores offering umegae mochi. It’s a favorite local delicacy filled with sweet red bean paste. There are also numerous ice cream stalls offering flavors unique to Japan, such as green tea, black sesame and sweet soybean.
Before arriving at the main shrine, take some time to explore its grounds. One of the appeals of Dazaifu Tenmangu is its complete detachment from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Upon entering the grounds through a grand torii gate, three bridges traverse a pond teeming with koi carp and terrapin turtles. The pond is shaped in the Japanese kanji character for “heart”. Ancient moss-covered camphor trees are supported by stilts at the edge of the lake. The banks are adorned with some of the famous plum trees for which Dazaifu Tenmangu is renowned.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu’s main hall, known as the Honden, was constructed above the grave of Michizane Sugawara, a renowned scholar, politician, and poet who gained significant prominence during the 9th century before being banished to Dazaifu due to intense rivalry with the Fujiwara clan. He passed away in Dazaifu in 903. But the earliest version of Dazaifu Tenmangu was built in 913.
Following his demise, Japan suffered from natural disasters. The government interpreted it as the outcome of a curse placed upon them by the spirit of Michizane. To placate Michizane’s spirit, the government decided to construct the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine for his spirit, subsequently deifying Michizane as Tenman-Tenjin, the God of literature and calligraphy.
