This trip "deep roams" between

This trip "deep roams" between Umi-cho and Dazaifu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, connecting the three highlights of Japanese Warring States history, healing hot springs and pilgrimage sites💥! In person, from Dazaifu Station, hike to explore the ruins of Iwaya Castle surrounded by mountains, experience the natural grasslands along the way, and finally descend to relax at the onsen hotel. The biggest feeling is: the historical ruins on the mountain are even so easy to reach, soaking in hot springs on the mountainside is super cool, on the hike overlooking the panoramic view of Dazaifu city, very healing!

📍Travel inventory recommendation

1️⃣ Rock House City Ruins - Mountain Ruins + Vision Domination
From Dazaifu Station, it’s about an hour’s walk to “Iwaya Castle Ruins” (Address: Ouradani, Kanzeonji 818-0101, Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, open all day year-round). This is the ancient battlefield where the famous Warring States general Takahashi Shaoyun was killed in battle. It is full of history. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Dazaifu and the surrounding mountains, passing through the grassland "Riyakihara" and the nearby Ono Castle ruins on the way.
🔥TIPS: The hiking road is slightly steeper, recommended to wear sneakers, remember to bring water! There are many wildflowers and insects chirping along the trail, plus the scenery is amazing in spring and autumn!

2️⃣ Lu Sakura GRANTIA Dazaifu Store - the choice of bath healing pie
Tired to the mountainside, go straight down to the hot spring hotel "Rusakura GRANTIA Dazaifu Branch" (Address: 3 Chome-8-1 Rengaya). Super convenient driving, quiet mountain location and free parking. The hotel focuses on real hot springs (with indoor and outdoor pools), less crowds, bathing comfort. The room is big enough, neat and clean, and has a comic room, KTV and other facilities! The staff served with a smile, the breakfast and restaurant standards were good. Suitable for friends who want to slowly hea, not in a hurry ~ hot spring really immediately resurrected 🥰
🔥TIPS: Some facilities are slightly old but clean, the mountainous night roads are quieter, it is recommended to return to the hotel early or drive in and out of safety.

3️⃣ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine - academic prayer must go to the place of pilgrimage
Near the hotel is Fukuoka’s most famous “Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine” (address: 4-chōme-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117 Japan).
Opening Hours:
- April 1st - May 31st: 06:30-19:00
- June 1st - August 31st: 06:30-19:30
- September 1st - November 30th: 06:30-19:00
- December 1st - March 31st: 06:30-18:30
There is the god of Japanese studies here, plus the red torii, plum garden and shopping street food (plum cake must try 😍), the cultural atmosphere is strong, and it is a good place to take pictures. Pray for wishes, buy amulets, and feel the authentic festival atmosphere, worth a morning walk.

🍴Tips + Surroundings
- Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando has souvenirs and old-fashioned plum cake shops, as well as coffee shops and wagashi shops in and around the JR station.
- The hotel has a rich breakfast and is easy to drive, but businesses close earlier in the city at night.
- Consider taking a taxi/shuttle (about 40 minutes) from Dazaifu Station to the onsen hotel, be careful with traffic on the mountain road at night.

🙌 Summary Trip Tips Review
The biggest insight of this trip: give a little perseverance to climb the mountain to enjoy the scenery, in exchange for the beautiful mountain belly hot spring, then pilgrimage to Tenmangu Shrine, play in-depth and authentic experience. The three attractions string together Japanese history, nature and healing, suitable for those who want to avoid the mainstream crowds to play slowly - more flexible driving!

#Dazaifu Pilgrimage #Iwaya Castle Warring States Ruins #Fukuoka Onsen #Deep Slow Tour #Hiking Bath Experience