Hofu Tenmangu
防府天満宮
Yamaguchi · Hofu
Tenjin / Tenmangu Academic Success
Kanpei Taisha
Dazaifu Tenmangu
太宰府天満宮
/ Dazaifu Tenmangū
Admission
Free (treasure hall ¥500)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
¥500
Access
5 min walk
Hours
6:00–19:00 (varies seasonally)
Overview
Dazaifu Tenmangu is Japan's most revered shrine for academic success, built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane — the 9th-century scholar, poet, and statesman who was unjustly exiled and posthumously deified as Tenjin, the god of learning. Millions of students visit annually to pray for exam success. The grounds contain 6,000 plum trees in 197 varieties, which bloom spectacularly in February and March. Together with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, it leads a network of roughly 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
905 [延喜5年]
Built over the burial site of Sugawara no Michizane, Japan's god of learning.
📄
Documented
905 903📜According to tradition
Sugawara no Michizane died in exile at Dazaifu, age 59. Legend says the ox carrying his coffin refused to move further at this spot.
905📄Documented
First shrine built at the burial site.
1591📄Documented
Current main hall built in Momoyama architectural style; designated Important Cultural Property.
2023📄Documented
Major renovation of the main hall began — the first in 124 years.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of scholarship, learning, calligraphy, and poetry; also a deity of thunder and natural calamity (tatarigami origin)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Tenjin / Tenmangu head
Head shrine of approximately 12,000 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine contains 6,000 plum trees of 197 varieties — Michizane was famous for his love of plum blossoms.
Source: documented
💡
Legend says the 'flying plum' (tobiume) tree followed Michizane from Kyoto to Dazaifu — it flew overnight to be near its master.
Source: tradition
💡
Currently undergoing its first major renovation in 124 years (begun 2023), with a temporary worship hall designed by architect Fujimoto Sou.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
anime / 2010
Noragami Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka. As another major Tenjin shrine, it is connected to the Tenjin character in the series.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
33.5214, 130.5350
Physical Address
4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0195
〒818-0117 福岡県太宰府市宰府4-7-1
Access
Dazaifu Station (Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line)
5 min walk
Hours
6:00–19:00 (varies seasonally)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Related Shrines
Suikyo Shrine
水鏡天満宮
Fukuoka · Fukuoka
Tenjin / Tenmangu Academic Success
Yushima Tenmangu
湯島天満宮
Tokyo · Bunkyo
Tenmangu Academic Success
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
亀戸天神社
Tokyo · Koto-ku
Tenmangu Academic Success
Egara Tenjin Shrine
荏柄天神社
Kanagawa · Kamakura
Tenmangu Academic Success
Kitano Tenmangu
北野天満宮
Kyoto · Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku
Tenmangu/Tenjin Academic Achievement
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Dazaifu Tenmangu?
Dazaifu Tenmangu is Japan's most revered shrine for academic success, built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane — the 9th-century scholar, poet, and statesman who was unjustly exiled and posthumously deified as Tenjin, the god of learning. Millions of students visit annually to pray for exam success. The grounds contain 6,000 plum trees in 197 varieties, which bloom spectacularly in February and March. Together with Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, it leads a network of roughly 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide.
Where is Dazaifu Tenmangu located?
Dazaifu Tenmangu is located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka. The full address is: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0195.
What deities are enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu?
The enshrined deities are: Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane).
What blessings can you pray for at Dazaifu Tenmangu?
Dazaifu Tenmangu is known for: Academic Success, Learning, Exam Passing, Poetry.
How do I get to Dazaifu Tenmangu?
The nearest station is Dazaifu Station (Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line). It is about a 5-minute walk from the station.