11 Days in Chūgoku & Kyushu – Day 10 – Dazaifu

Posted on    by

Yanagawa and Dazaifu really felt like two places from completely different eras: the former is truly laid back and with the quiet, everyone knows each other, small town feel. Dazaifu on the other hand felt like the typical scenic tourist spot. To be fair though, this might be because the gravity center of Dazaifu is its train station, and the several very popular sights are all in the same walking direction from the station.

Dazaifu is a 40 minute ride from Nishitetsu-Yanagawa train station. Basically, from Yanagawa station, you travel back northwards in the direction of Fukuoka city, get off the train at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station, and transfer to a different platform for a quick five minute ride to Dazaifu station. Do be careful which platform you need to get to though: the signage was a little confusing, and I boarded the wrong train that brought me to Tofuro-Mae station, and had to turn around to get back to Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station. A terrifically understanding staff at the Tofuro-Mae station permitted me to exit and re-enter to take a train back.

Finally reached Dazaifu station – about 45 minutes later than originally planned in my itinerary.
Tenjinsama-dori Street, the main shopping street of Dazaifu. You can’t miss it: from the train station, just follow the crowds!
Picked up some presents for our two kids here.
Many colorful shops offering snacks, souvenirs, apparel, and locally manufactured goods for visitors to browse.
The street looks deserted from my photos here: it’s not. Trust me. I had to wait to frame my shot sans human beings.
Most visitors will walk the street to get to the Tenman-gu Shrine. Alternatively, if the area is too crowded, you can also walk the side-roads to the same Shrine.
Resisted the temptation for sweet treats like these this trip.
Starbucks! A sure sign that the place you’re in is a tourist spot.
Nearing Tenman-gu Shrine. There was a monk standing stationary there for alms.
The gardens just outside Tenman-gu Shrine.
The famed bridge that you see in many photos. Hard to get pictures of it without people walking taking wefies/selfies while on it.
Approaching the entrance to the Shrine itself.
Visitors in traditional apparel walking the grounds.
Tenman-gu Shrine. Our church friend Ann quips that this is the Shrine you go to pray if you want to pass exams haha!
Purifying yourself before entering the shrine.
Another view of the bridge.

I didn’t spend more than an hour at the Shrine – I try to avoid crowds wherever I go. Regrettably Komyozen-ji Temple was closed – Google Maps said it should be opened – and I likewise skipped Kyushu Museum too as I wanted to be back in Fukuoka by late afternoon.

Summary: The Shrine is pretty and you can get some nice pictures in it, as is also Tenjinsama-dori Street. Worth a visit, especially if you’ve already purchased the combination pack.

That’s a wrap for Day 10. Not much to note in Day 11 as I was heading back home for a morning flight. But my series of posts on this trip continues next, with a commentary on the properties I stayed at.