Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important Tenmangu shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. Every year, it attracts a large number of students and parents who come to pray for academic success and good exam results. The shrine's architecture is magnificent, with its iconic red torii gate and grand main hall. Before visiting the shrine, you can cross a red bridge called 'Shin-ji-ike,' which symbolizes the purification of the soul. Inside the shrine, there is also a plum tree over a thousand years old called 'Tobiume,' which is said to have flown from Kyoto to Fukuoka after Sugawara no Michizane's death, adding to its rich history. Additionally, the approach to the shrine is lined with many unique snack shops, the most famous of which is 'Umegae-mochi,' a grilled rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste. The nearby Kyushu National Museum is also a cultural attraction worth visiting, showcasing many precious artifacts related to the history of Kyushu and Asia. When traveling to Fukuoka, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is definitely a must-visit historical and cultural site!