The biggest capital of Kyushu is Fukuoka. People say that they would rather choose to visit other cities in Kyushu region, because there is no huge difference between Fukuoka and Tokyo or Osaka, saying it is just a metropolitan.
Of course, it is not true! The city is full of tasty gourmet with more than 100 food stalls, or you can drive along a beautiful coastline which is part of quasi-national park to get to Itoshima city.
Visiting a shrine of scholar, Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮) also is one of the must-dos in Fukuoka, because it is believed that visiting the shrine will make you more intelligent!
History of Dazaifu Tenmangu.
Do you know why we can be more intelligent by visiting the shrine? Yes, there is a story.
The shrine was built in the 10th century to worship a respected scholar, Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). He was such a successful and intelligent minister who got promoted so fast, however, he was sent to Fukuoka because of a conspiracy made by his rivals.
He passed away 2 years after he was sent, and the shrine was built to worship him. Because he was such an intelligent minister, now he turned into a god of study. Every year before the entrance exams, so many students and their parents visit the shrine to wish for their success in the exam.
The shrine also is known for a best place to enjoy plum trees, because it is said that Michizane liked plum tree so much. Flowers bloom from end of January until end of February.
What’s available around Dazaifu Tenmangu?
There are more touristic spots available around the shrine. The 400meters long street that continues to Dazaifu Tenmangu has so many souvenir shops and cafes.
Starbucks
There is a Starbucks on this street which you have to pay a quick visit. Well, it may be not that attractive for you, but this Starbucks is known for a very unique entrance! The design of the entrance is made from wood, featuring Japanese traditional architecture.
Umegae Mochi
There is also something that Muslims can enjoy. Umegae Mochi (梅が枝餅) is a specialty at Dazaifu Tenmangu and this is a Muslim-friendly sweet.
It is made from sweet red bean paste, glutinous rice powder, water and a little bit of salt and oil! You may see so many shops baking the sweet right in front of you, and whichever you choose it can be Muslim-friendly.
You can take them away, but if you want to enjoy crispy and hot Umegae Mochi, you have to eat it on the spot.
What are the Muslim-friendly souvenirs？
Apart from the Fukuoka’s most famous souvenir, Torimon, there are more original souvenirs which can be bought only at Dazaifu Tenmangu.
Baien Kashidokoro (梅園菓子処)
Souvenir shop Baien Kashidokoro (梅園菓子処) sells Japanese traditional sweets. Their Higashi (干菓子), dried Japanese sugar sweet, is shape of Japanese traditional motifs and they are so colorful and cute. It lasts generally pretty long and is a great souvenir for Muslims.
Saifu Mameya (宰府まめや) is another Muslim-friendly souvenir shop. Their main product is bean, like peanuts or soybean. They are roasted until it gets crispy, and then coated with different flavors such as Matcha, chocolate, blueberry or mayonnaise!
There are more than 70 flavors available. Some of them may contain alcoholic seasoning, so check well before purchase.
It takes only about 25 minutes from Fukuoka Airport to get to the shrine, so even though you do not have enough time, you can still make it within half a day.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is definitely a place that you must visit when coming to Kyushu. We hope you can enjoy your day at the historical site, along with great gourmet!
