🌸 “From Hakata to Dazaifu—A Day of Culture and Tradition” Travel Guide

#TravelItinerary #Hakata #Dazaifu

This is a day filled with traditional shrines, a quiet atmosphere, and delicious snacks, starting from **Hakata (or Tenjin)**, the center of Fukuoka.

⸻

🕗 08:00 – Departure & Transportation
• Take the Dazaifu-bound train from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station (transfers possible): Approximately 30-40 minutes ()
• Upon arrival, **Monzenmachi (Shopping Street on the Approach to the Shrine)** will unfold!

⸻

🍡 09:00 – Stroll & Snack on Monzenmachi Street
• Visit cute souvenir shops, traditional tea houses, and dessert shops on both sides of the street
• Dazaifu's specialty, Umegae Mochi (red bean paste inside mochi baked in each store): This warm and sweet taste is a must! ()

⸻

🏯 10:00 – Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Stroll
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the god of learning and art, “Sugawara no Michizane”. It has a quiet garden, torii gate, pond, and about 6,000 plum trees, making it beautiful all year round ()
• Also worth seeing are the 1,000-year-old trees, such as old Japanese maples and giant Japanese maples ()
• Visit the Tenmangu Museum, which exhibits art, old records, and treasures ()

⸻

🥢 11:30 – Visit the National Kyushu Museum
• The Kyushu National Museum, which is located on foot from Tenmangu Shrine, offers a glimpse into the history of exchange between Japan and Asia ()

⸻

⛩️ 12:30 – Kamado Shrine & Kwanzeonji Temple
• If you have time, take a bus or taxi to Kamado Shrine: Up the mountain Spectacular views and serene forest paths ()
• Or, a 20-minute walk away, visit the ancient temple of Kwanzaonji, built in the 7th century, and the national treasure bell tower (large bell) ()

⸻

🍵 13:30 – Local meal & coffee time
• Fill up on traditional sets, Kyushu-style udon, green tea latte, etc. at tea houses around Monzenmachi or Dazaifu Station.

⸻

🚆 14:30 – Return to Fukuoka
• Take the train to Tenjin or Hakata (approximately 30 minutes) ()

⸻

🌇 After 15:00 – Extended schedule in Hakata/Tenjin area

🎭 Culture or shopping
• Experience a Kabuki performance at **Hakataza (Kabuki Theater)**
• Stroll through vintage shops and design cafes in the alleys of ‘Daimyo’ in Tenjin ()

🌉 Late-night snack at a yatai
• Enjoy late-night snacks such as tonkotsu ramen, yakitori, and gyoza at yatai stalls in Nakasu & Tenjin—This is the taste of Fukuoka! ()