Dazaifu travel guide

Dazaifu is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Fukuoka-prefecture

to experience Japanese traditional culture.

From the late 7th century to the late 12th century, Dazaifu was the western capital

of Japan and controlled Kyushu. Geographically, it served as the front line of

Japan’s diplomacy and defense, as well as it is gate way to the Asian continent.

A special location worth visiting is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, with more than 8.5

million tourists visiting annually.

Where to visit

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

The Shrine dedicated to the deity of learning. Many Japanese visit

the Shrine to pass the examination successfully. Built on the site of

grave of Sugawara Michizane, who is deified as the Deity of scholarship.

The shrine is housed in a distinctive building, with a sweeping roof of

thatched bark and lacquered crimson beams dating back to the

seventeenth century.

Shrine Approach path

Shrine Approach path with 200m starting from Nishitetsu Dazaifu station

and extending to Shingyu which is Ox deity statue.

Through the 1st Torii which is entrance of the Shrine, you can discover

many attractive of Japan, such as souvenir shops, restaurants,

local specialty “Umegaya-mochi” shops, cafes including unique desighed

building Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks at Approach path

The restaurant was designed by renown architecture designer

Kengo Kuma in 2011. The concept of the design is Harmony of

Modern and traditional by natural material; 2000 cedar timber

is assembled in a traditional wood structure without using nails.

Kyushu National Museum
	Kyushu National Museum was opened in 2005 in Dazaifu-city next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, as Japan’s fourth national museum after Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara.

Site of Dazaifu Government Office
	Government site of Ancient Kyushu, Known as TOFURO, the site was used during the Nara (710 to 794 AD) and Heian (794 to 1185 AD) period. The Dazaifu was responsible for supervising Japan’s maritime frontier, as well as for administering the nine provinces and two island of the Saikaido (modern Kyushu).

Featured festival

Kyokusui-no-en

Tenmangu’s history is recalled by events such as the New Years

Exorcism, Fire Festival (Oni-sube), Kyokusui-no-en that means Spring

Water Poetry Festival, and Jinko-shiki (Annual God-Procession Festival)

which takes place in the Autumn.

General information

Address	City hall : 1-1-1 Kanzeonji Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
Access	30 minutes by car using Fukuoka Urban Express Way from Fukuoka-city 35 minutes by Nishitetsu train from Tenjin (Fukuoka) to Dazaifu
Transportation	Nishitetsu train
Population	72,000 Population density 2,400

Dazaifu