Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and plum blossoms

The other day, I went to Fukuoka City for the first time in many years.
And, in my spare time, I went out to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine located in Dazaifu City.

 

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was built on the grave of Michizane Sugawara, who is called the "God of learning", and enshrines Michizane. Michizane Sugawara was born in Kyoto in 845, but he was exiled to Dazaifu because of an innocent sin. He finished his life at the age of 59 there.

 

A tanka (a 31-syllable Japanese poem) composed by Michizane when he left Kyoto is well known.

 

The tanka says:
When the wind is in the east, I want it to blow the scent of Japanese plum flowers to me;
even if I disappear from here, you, Japanese plum flowers, do not forget spring.

 

Although it has passed the peak of plum blossoms, I could see many blossoms and I offered a prayer while thinking of the tanka. (H.S)

 

Curtains with plum flower crest were installed at Dazaifu Station.

 

From the busy shrine path to the precinct

 

Even though it was unfortunately raining that day, there were many tourists mainly from Asia.

 

The shrine is one of the most beautiful plum blossoms viewing sites in Japan. The rose plum blossoms were bright.

 

How to use washing water

 

The Taiko Bridge is a popular spot in the precinct.

 

"Goshuin" (stamp given at shrines or temples) of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

 

You can go to Kyushu National Museum through the precinct. The museum introduces rich history of cultural exchange between Kyushu and neighboring China and Korea.

 

Starbucks Dazaifu Omote Sando Shop is another popular spot.

 

Kengo Kuma, an architect, designed the shop that features the timberwork.