Dazaifu: Dec. 29. 2018

Dazaifu locates about 16 kilometers southeast from central Fukuoka City. It is famous for Tenmangu Shrine.

I visited there for the first time in about four decades.

The shrine was first built in the early 10^th century to enshrine Sugawara Michizane. He died here after being forced to move from Kyoto to Kyushu as a result of political conflict with the ruling Fujiwara family.

As he was a brilliant man, he was later regarded as a god of wisdom. Many students visit here to pray their success in studies.

There is an approach from Nishitetsu station to the shrine. It is about 200 meters. Tens of shops and restaurants stand along the street.

It is the year-end season. The shrine staff members were doing their preparation works for the new year. They receive millions of visitors every year.