【Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine】Sightseeing spots in Fukuoka

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the deity of learning. Michizane was an outstanding scholar and politician during the Heian period, and after his death, he came to be worshipped as a god of learning. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is an important place of worship especially for students and those preparing for exams, attracting many visitors wishing for academic success.

The shrine is surrounded by beautiful nature, particularly famous for its plum blossoms. About 6,000 plum trees are planted around the area, blooming in early spring and captivating many visitors with their beauty. Additionally, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is known for its ancient history and traditional architecture, with the torii gates and the main hall being notably famous.

Along the approach to the shrine, there is a variety of shops lined up, including those selling “Umegaemochi,” a sweet made from mochi rice and red bean paste, as well as cafes and souvenir shops.

Umegaemochi is an indispensable special treat for visitors to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This confection is made with a dough of mochi rice, filled with sweet bean paste (primarily white bean paste), and baked to resemble the shape of a plum blossom. The name comes from the outer layer’s baked appearance, which evokes the petals of a plum blossom on a branch.

Along the approach path, there are numerous shops selling Umegaemochi, and each shop offers a slightly different taste, making it enjoyable to compare them as you go.

The Mont Blanc specialty store “Kagunokonomi” prepares fresh chestnut paste right in front of you upon order. If you proceed straight towards Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine along the approach path, you’ll find the shop on your left after about a 3-minute walk.

Using 100% Kumamoto Prefecture-grown Japanese chestnuts for the chestnut paste, inside you’ll discover a delightful combination of crunchy meringue and soft serve ice cream!
The chestnut paste, extruded in ultra-fine strands about 1mm in diameter, resembles threads of gold.
Don’t miss out on enjoying the freshly squeezed, fluffy texture!

This confectionery shop is renowned for its signature sweets featuring motifs of onigawara (demon roof tiles) excavated from Dazaifu. It offers a variety of Japanese-style sweets perfect for snacking while walking around, including a unique ice bar made with a smooth texture of bracken starch and kudzu powder.

The original onigawara motif monaka (a type of Japanese sweet with bean paste filling) ranges in price from 220 to 700 yen each, highlighting a commitment to quality ingredients, including the use of azuki beans from Tokachi. The Amaou Strawberry DX monaka, which sandwiches strawberries and is available only from November to May, is prepared fresh upon order, ensuring a crisp shell!

Located just a short walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station, this specialty shop is known for its Mentaiko France, offering freshly baked delights at all times. Adjacent to the “Yamaya Dazaifu Store,” you can find Yamaya’s mentaiko (spicy cod roe) among a wide selection of gifts from Kyushu and Hakata.

The “Mentaiko France” is a French bread harmoniously blending the rich flavors of mentaiko and butter with a hint of garlic.

Ichiran is a famous ramen chain specializing in Tonkotsu ramen, originating from Fukuoka Prefecture.

Upon visiting, customers first select and purchase their meal ticket from a vending machine. Then, they are guided to individual booths where they fill out an order form specifying their preferences for the ramen, such as the richness of the soup, the firmness of the noodles, the amount of garlic, the inclusion of scallions, and the quantity of Ichiran’s original spicy red sauce.

Ichiran’s signature dish is its smooth and creamy Tonkotsu soup ramen. Served with thin, straight noodles and topped with tender slices of pork, the broth is simmered for hours to achieve a deep flavor and silky texture. Additionally, Ichiran’s unique spicy red sauce adds a distinctive taste and accent to the dish.

A single-house cafe with an open atmosphere in front of a lawn. Popular for its sweets made generously with local ingredients and seasonal fruits. The menu is full of playful items, including homemade pudding decorated with ice cream, fruits, and nuts, and homemade lemonade that allows you to enjoy the change of colors.

This shop, designed by a famous architect, is known for its concept of “fusion of tradition and modernity through natural materials,” featuring a striking design that utilizes wooden frame structures. Take a break in the innovative interior design.

Events and festivities are frequently held at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. As a representative tourist destination in Fukuoka, it’s definitely worth a visit!