Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is currently undergoing renovation.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is the burial site of Sugawara no Michizane, who is famous in Japan as Tenjin-sama.
Sugawara no Michizane, who lived over 1,000 years ago, between 800 and 900 AD, was exiled to this place at that time, and it is said that after his death he became a vengeful spirit and struck the Imperial Court with lightning.
This fearsome Sugawara no Michizane (=Tenjin-sama) is now worshipped as the god of learning by students preparing for entrance exams.
Even now, many people visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, but it is currently undergoing major renovations for the first time in 124 years!
Don’t worry, you can still visit the shrine even during renovations.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine dates back to the death of Sugawara no Michizane in 905. After being destroyed by fire several times during wars, the current main hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was built in 1591.
The building has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and has maintained its architectural style since the Azuchi-Momoyama period for 430 years.
Due to renovation work in preparation for a large festival dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane scheduled for 2027, Michizane’s soul has been moved to a temporary shrine until completion in 2026.
Trees are growing on the roof of the temporary main hall, giving it a solemn atmosphere, even though it is a temporary residence.
It has a different atmosphere from the main shrine, so be sure to visit it before 2026.
Besides praying, there are many other things to see.
After visiting Sugawara no Michizane, be sure to take a stroll around the grounds. There are many things to see.
Sacred cow
For example, there are many bronze statues of cows within the temple grounds, as Michizane had a deep connection with cows.
It is said that the reason Tenmangu Shrine was built here is because the cow carrying Michizane’s body lay down here.
There are a total of 11 cow statues in the precincts, all of which are lying down.
Since Michizane is the god of learning, it is said that stroking the cow’s head will grant you wisdom.
If you come across a bronze cow statue, please be sure to pat its head.
One of the highlights is seeing his horns shiny gold as everyone strokes his head!!
Flying plum
東風吹かば 匂ひおこせよ 梅の花 あるじなしとて 春な忘れそ
Poems read by Sugawara no Michizane
When the spring breeze blows, please send that scent to Dazaifu, plum blossoms. Don’t forget spring just because I’m not your master anymore.
As you face the main hall, there is a plum tree on the right hand side. This is called a flying plum tree, and it is said that it flew here from Kyoto in pursuit of Michizane.
It’s amazing that it flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu in just one night!
Be sure to go see the flying plum blossoms in full bloom from the end of February to the beginning of March.
Please take a look at the temporary main hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which can only be seen now.
Besides the main hall, there are many other things to see within the grounds. Please come and see Dazaifu Tenmangu, which can only be seen now.
The Umegae-mochi that you can eat within the temple grounds and on Omotesando is also great!
fanfanjapan!!
comment