Dazaifu: Leisurely and Full of History ๐ธ
One of the biggest takeaways from my trip to Kyushu is that there are so many underrated but absolutely charming small cities worth exploring. ๐ธ๐ Dazaifu in Fukuoka is definitely one of them. ๐ฟ The entire city is quite compact. ๐ Most visitors come here for the Tenmangu Shrine, which is one of the two head shrines of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, alongside the Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. The shrine honors Sugawara Michizane, who is revered as the "God of Scholarship" and the "God of Calligraphy" in Japan. ๐ธ๐ With a history of over 1,100 years, it is deeply respected throughout the country. ๐This place is a sacred spot for those seeking academic success, and you can see many visitors leaving ema (votive tablets) for good fortune in their studies. On a weekday afternoon, the crowd is manageable, making it a peaceful experience. ๐บ ๐ธ๐ Another highlight is the Dazaifu Station, which is designed with a lot of traditional charm. Just a short walk to the right from the station, you'll find a delightful shopping street. ๐ Many shops here sell a popular snack called "ume-ebi senbei" (plum branch cake). When freshly baked and still warm, it's absolutely deliciousโcrispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and with a sweet and fragrant filling. ๐ก If you're looking for a slow-paced travel experience, Dazaifu is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the moment. ๐ฟ ๐ Tags #JapanTravel ๐ #SlowTravel ๐ #PerfectSpotForASoloTrip ๐ #Fukuoka ๐
