A Journey to Japan: Dazaifu Tenmangū

So we landed in Fukuoka. It is our final stop before heading back home. After taking the Shinkansen from Hiroshima, we arrived in Hakata Station, and our hotel was just a short subway ride away from it. As it was still early, we couldn't check in yet, so we just dropped off our bags and then headed out for lunch. And after lunch, we decided to take the train to go to Dazaifu, where a famous Shinto Shrine is located.

After less than an hour, we arrived in Dazaifu, and Dazaifu Tenmangū was a short walk away. This is a Shinto Shrine that was built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, and is one of the main shrines dedicated to Tenjin. In the Shinto belief, Tenjin is the patron deity of academics, scholarship, of learning, and of the intelligentsia. Hence, many students come here.

This shrine had plenty of elements that we checked out. We were essentially there for the entire afternoon. And that was also a good thing, since when we arrived, there were plenty of people, and the place was rather crowded, but by the time we were leaving, the place was more or less deserted, and we were able to take some interesting scenic photos.

There were several buildings that we explored. There was also a fascinating bridge over a little pond. And there were numerous red torii gates, which led to small shrines buried in the middle of the woods, which we also explored.

Eventually, we made our way back to the train station, but before doing so, we passed by the pedestrian street that had plenty of souvenir shops. Of course, we tried the local sweet, the umegae mochi, which is actually served warm. And as we were munching on it, we were walking towards the station, and from there, we made our way back to Fukuoka.