 Dazaifu is a city thirty minutes by train to the southeast of Fukuoka City. About 1300 years ago, the area was the political center of Kyushu. "Dazaifu" was the name of the government administration that ruled over all Kyushu for over 500 years, and after which the modern city is named. The area's rich past is reflected in its many historical sites, including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (where the god of learning Sugawara no Michizane is worshipped), the ruins of the Dazaifu government building, the Mizuki Fortress ruins, Kanzeonji Temple, and the Onojo Castle ruins. These attractions have made Dazaifu well-known among travelers, with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine attracting an incredible 7,000,000 worshippers annually, giving it a bustling atmosphere year-round.
Even better, Dazaifu is just a stone's throw away from the Futsukaichi Onsen (hot spring), the home of Kyushu's oldest baths. An onsen after visiting Dazaifu's unforgettable sights is the perfect way to cap your journey through Japan's ancient past. |
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
An important shrine in the Shinto faith, Tenmangu Shrine is a place of worship for the god of learning Sugawara no Michizane, and is one of Fukuoka's major tourist attractions. The magnificent design of the inner shrine is one of Japan's great cultural treasures. Tobiume, the divine tree that in legend followed Sugawara no Michizane by flying from Kyoto overnight, blooms with beautiful white plum blossoms from late January to April. The path to the shrine is lined with souvenir shops selling local specialties, including the famous Dazaifu delicacy, umegaemochi (a sweet-plum rice pastry). Dazaifu is most lively around New Year and in the spring, but remains a strong attraction year-round.
* 092-922-8225
* Six-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
 Kyushu Historical Museum
Since the dawn of Japanese history, Kyushu has served as an essential point of exchange between Japan and mainland Asia (especially China and the Korean peninsula). The Kyushu Historical Museum's mission is to research the history of northern Kyushu and present it to the public.
* 092-923-0404
* Ten-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
 Kyushu National Museum
The museum's exhibits are based on the concept of presenting the origins of Japanese culture through the country's interaction with Asia. The museum is an enjoyable and non-intimidating facility for both children and adults. It includes the "Ocean Ways, Asian Paths" cultural exhibition area, comprised of five sections that focus on specific topics, special exhibition galleries, and Ajippa, a hands-on educational center where visitors can enjoy handling a wide variety of Asian cultural artifacts.
* 092-918-2807
* Ten-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
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Komyozenji Temple
A Zen temple built during the Kamakura era around 1275. Famous for Fukkosekitei, a garden where 15 stones trace the Chinese character for "light," and Ittekikaitei (one-drop-sea-garden), where white sand takes the shape of the shore against green lichen. Its fall colors are particularly brilliant.
* 092-922-4053
* Five-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
 Dazaifu Government Building Ruins
From the Nara to the Heian Period over 500 years, this site was an administrative center for the Yamato Imperial Court. Its functions were to oversee the rule of Kyushu, maintain relations with foreign courts, and serve as a military base for the protection of western Japan. At the nearby Dazaifu Exhibition Hall, visitors can examine some of the historical artifacts excavated from this site.
* 092-922-7811 (Dazaifu Exhibition Hall)
* Fifteen-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tofuromae Station
 Kanzeonji Temple
Having once thrived as one of Kyushu's most important temples, Kanzeonji has a long history and still houses Japan's oldest temple bell. The temple also has a collection of Buddha statues designated as cultural artifacts, on display for visitors.
* 092-922-1811
* Ten-minute walk from Nishitetsu Gojo Station
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