The main attraction is Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of Michizane Sugawara.
Michizane was born in Kyoto in 845 into a family of scholars and was heir to a long tradition of loyal service to the emperor.
He was a devoted scholar from his earliest years and was writing poetry from the age of five.
By the age of 11 he was composing poetry in the Chinese style and using Chinese characters.
He went on to serve the emperor as a trusted Minister of the Right, married and had a child.
He fell into disfavor due to rumors and was exiled from Kyoto to Dazaifu, leaving his family behind.
He endured a life of misery and hardship in Dazaifu, yet continued his scholarly studies.
Upon his death in 903 at the age of 59, the ox carrying his coffin during the funearly procession stopped and refused to budge any further.
The burial therefore took place on the spot, and became the site of Tenmangu's main shrine. (Story adapted from Dazaifu Tenmangu's information booklet)
Because of Michizane's scholarly leanings, the shrine is a favorite amongst students, particularly at the time of exams.
We had an appointment with one of the shrine's priests and wow, did they treat us like royalty!
We were given information about Shinto itself, as well as the story of the shrine.
Then, not only were we allowed to go up into the altar, we received a blessing! It was an unexpected and incredible experience.
We stopped by the little cafe onsite where they were getting plums ready to pickle.
The staff were preparing a local specialty, a pastry called umegaemochi, which are buns stuffed with bean paste.
The priest arranged for us each to try one, as well as a special tea.
We also visited the Kanko Historical Museum which tells the story of Michizane's life.
Before leaving the priests even gave us a gift, which was beyond generous. The whole day was much more than we were expecting.
Even in the heat, it was a marvelous experience.
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