Hello,
This is KayaBrown.
Today, I would like to introduce you to Dazaifu Tenmangu,
a famous tourist attraction in Fukuoka.
In Japan, it is common to visit a nearby shrine (神社)
and perform unique rituals when one has a wish.
Among these shrines, some are reputed to be particularly effective
for specific wishes such as academic success, health, and romance.
"Do you want to pass the exam?!"
This is the place.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is a popular shrine representing Kyushu, attracting 10 million visitors annually.
Along with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto,
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of the Tenjin shrines (天神系),
which number over 12,000 across Japan.
This shrine is renowned as the god of learning.
It also features unique festivals (matsuri),
has secrets hidden in its omikuji (fortune slips),
and holds strict taboos one must not break
—a truly mysterious shrine.👀
Now, let's explore everything about Dazaifu!
🔎 Basic Information
✅ The shrine is located about a 5-minute walk from Dazaifu Station in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It takes about 20 minutes by train from the center of Fukuoka City.
✅ The deity enshrined here is Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真).
He lived from 845 to 903, which corresponds to the Heian period in Japanese history.
He was known as a brilliant scholar.
Shrines across Japan with names like "OO Tenjin (天神)" or "OO Tenmangu (天満宮)" enshrine Sugawara no Michizane (with some exceptions). The names of these shrines are derived from his epithet, 'Tenmandaijizaitenjin (天満大自在天神).'
Though he is famous as the god of learning, he also has a fearsome image as the god of thunder and calamity.
Consequently, many people visit this shrine during exam periods or before job interviews, hoping to achieve good results in their endeavors.
🔎 Unusual Omikuji (おみくじ)
🌷 Color-Changing Omikuji
The omikuji at Dazaifu Tenmangu change color with the seasons.
Sometimes they are pink like spring flowers,
then they turn green like lush summer foliage,
and finally, they become white like snowflakes.
It’s a simple but charming touch, don’t you think?
If you visit, it will be fun to draw an omikuji in the color of that particular season.
🌷 Another Peculiar Feature!
The omikuji at Dazaifu Tenmangu...
never contain a curse (凶)!!!
This is a considerate gesture for the many students from all over Japan who visit the shrine.
🔎 Stroke the Ox and Heal Your Ailments?!
When you visit Dazaifu Tenmangu,
you'll easily spot numerous statues of oxen.
In Japan, most Inari shrines (稲荷神社) have foxes,
which are believed to be protectors of rice and grains.
However, at this Tenmangu, the symbolic animal is the ox (御神牛, goshin-gyu)!
This is connected to the story of Sugawara no Michizane, who is enshrined here.
After Michizane's death, his coffin was being transported,
but the ox pulling the cart stopped and refused to move at this location.
People believed this was the will of the deceased Michizane, so they decided to bury him here.
That place became Dazaifu Tenmangu, and the ox became its symbol.
It is said that if you stroke the ox, the part you touch will be healed.
For example, many people stroke the head of the ox, believing it will improve their intellect.
As a result, the ox's head at the entrance shines brightly.💫
There are various ox statues throughout the shrine grounds, so find them and give them a stroke!
🔎 The Thousand-Year-Old Apricot Tree
The emblem of this shrine is the Apricot blossom.
You’ll see these Apricot motifs everywhere, from Dazaifu Station to the shrine itself.
🌺Why is this place so full of Apricot blossoms?
The answer lies in the story behind them.
Upon entering the shrine, you'll be greeted by countless Apricot trees. The shrine grounds boast around 6,000 plum trees!
This too is connected to the story of Sugawara no Michizane. Originally from Kyoto, it is said that when Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu, a Apricot tree from his garden in Kyoto flew to be with him.
That tree is now located within the shrine. It is marked with a sign saying Tobiume (飛梅, "Flying Plum(Apricot) Tree"), so you'll easily recognize it.
I won't include a photo of this tree—it's more fun to find it yourself!
Beyond this legendary tree, there are 6,000 Apricot trees of 200 varieties around the shrine.
They bloom from late January to early March,
so visiting during this period is highly recommended to enjoy their grandeur and fragrance.
And don’t forget to try Umegae Mochi, a grilled rice cake stamped with a Apricot blossom motif!
Now, we need to discuss the peculiar festivals unique to this shrine,
the mysterious birds you'll see everywhere besides the oxen,
things you must never do at this shrine,
and the special local products you can enjoy only at Dazaifu Tenmangu.
However, as I was writing excitedly,
the content became too extensive to fit on a single page. 😢
So!
I'll continue this story in the next post.🌺
Thank you.