During my trip to Fukuoka, I casually decided to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (大宰府天満宮). …I completely forgot—it was the peak of plum blossom season! The vibrant petals and sweet fragrance made it feel like heaven.
It was my first time at Dazaifu. The approach from Dazaifu Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was bustling with people.
Along the path, I spotted a unique-looking shop… It turned out to be a Starbucks !
Speaking of Dazaifu Tenmangu, it’s known for its famous ume-gaemochi (plum branch rice cakes). I assumed there would be a few shops selling them, but I was wrong—there were so many! Apparently, each shop offers a slightly different flavor. I wish I had done more research beforehand… There were shops not only along the path but also within the shrine grounds! As I reached the torii gate, I saw them—plum blossoms everywhere!
Absolutely stunning!
Crossing the arched Taiko Bridge, I noticed the lanterns decorated with a plum blossom pattern, known as baika-mon.
Under the plum trees, I found a sacred ox statue. It’s said there are 11 such statues within the shrine grounds.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is home to approximately 6000 plum trees of 200 different varieties. The abundance of plum trees here is because the enshrined deity, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), loved plum blossoms. He even had them planted at his home.
The shrine’s sacred tree is also a plum tree—specifically, the famous Tobiume (Flying Plum Tree) located beside the main hall. The Tobiume Omamori (Flying Plum Charm) is said to be made from the fruit of this very tree.
During the plum season, there were booths selling local sake from Fukuoka and even a plum bonsai market.
The pink blossoms of the bonsai were simply charming!
After exploring the grounds, I visited the Tenkai Inari Shrine (天開稲荷社)—but more on that later 🙂
