Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
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Port
Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Transfer by motorcoach to the Dazaifu shrine, dedicated to the 9th-century scholar Sugawara no Michizane. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a favorite for students praying for success in school entrance examinations.
Exiled from the Imperial Court in Kyoto on trumped-up charges, Michizane persevered at Dazaifu under harsh conditions, with his character so admired that there are now 12,000 shrines dedicated to him across Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu is perhaps the most famous and was established early in the 10th century.
The shrine is well known for its 6,000-plus plum trees that blossom in early spring. One of these trees, located to the right of the main shrine hall, is called Tobiume -- the Flying Plum -- as the tree is said to have so loved Michizane that it followed him in exile by flying down from Kyoto to Dazaifu.
Return to the ship afterward via the same route.
Notes:
The main hall of Dazaifu Shrine is partially covered for renovation work. About 15 to 20 minutes of walking is required. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Tour order may vary.