A noble scholar and politician, Sugawara Michizane, is enshrined at the Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine. (Dazaifu is located in Kyushu, which is in the southern part of Japan.)

To briefly explain why, Michizane was demoted and sent from the ancient capital of Kyoto to Dazaifu in 901. He died there in 903. Following his demotion and demise, Kyoto was hit with a number of calamities, such as epidemics and extreme weather, one after another. The people of Kyoto feared these tragedies were a curse brought upon them by Michizane’s spirit. To try to contain this chaotic situation, a shrine was built on Michizane’s grave to appease his spirit.

It is said that this was the commencement of the Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine. Due to Michizane’s excellence in learning, he is now worshiped as the God of Learning. Accordingly, a large number of students visit the shrine to pray for success on their entrance exams for prestigious schools.

The Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine is also renowned for its plum (ume-apricot) trees. In the period of early February through mid March, as many as 6,000 plum trees of 197 different varieties, enter into full bloom. Worshippers at the shrine enjoy their lovely colors and fragrance.

Recently, the number of the tourists from South Korea visiting the Shrine and the surrounding area has been increasing. This is due to the proximity of Fukuoka (the largest near-by city in Kyushu) and South Korea, and the convenience provided by high-speed boats that shuttle the channel between South Korea and Kyushu.