Built as a combined grave and shrine to Michizane Sugawara, a celebrated 9th Century scholar, poet and politician, Dazaifu Tenmangu is a large square complex, like a house, enclosing a courtyard in front of the main shrine. The first shrine was built here in 905 but the one on the spot today was built in 1591; as well as the buildings there are several ornamental ponds, crossed by graceful bridges, one with floating gardens of irises, a 1,500 year old camphor tree and a plum tree which is supposed to have flown here to be with Sugawara.

Dazaifu Tenmangu is very popular with students at exam time as Sugawara is now revered as a god of scholarship.

The story behind the selection of the spot for the shrine is that during Sugawara’s funeral the ox who was bulling his coffin stopped suddenly and refused to budge so they buried him on the spot.

The best time to visit is in February or March when the 6000 plum trees are in full bloom (cherry blossoms come out a month later.). On your way up the walk to the main shrine you can buy a local rice cake like delicacy believed to ward off illness. Around one hundred ceremonies of all different kinds are held at this shrine every year so it is a good idea to find out if there is something on while you’re visiting.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Information.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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