Jul.31st, 2021
Mount Hōman and Kamado shrine Uemiya
Mount Hōman is the mountain where Kamado shrine is located, 829m high. It has been considered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and is also called Mount Mikasa or Mount Kamado.
There are many mountain trails, and is one of the most popular mountains in Kyūshū, gathering many climbers from beginners to skilled climbers. The main mountain trail, which is the most popular route, is well maintained, and is not a difficult route to climb. Although, most of the trail is made of many stone steps, including a steep 100 step stone stairway called "Hyakudan-gangi". There are any historical sites through out the mountain, such as castle remains and remains of Buddhist statues and temples. The mountain top commands a panoramic view of Fukuoka plains, and the Genkai sea in the distance.
On the mountain top is the Uemiya of Kamado shrine.
The Uemiya is where Kamado shrine originated, and is said to had been built in 673.
Since Mount Hōman was located in the 'Kimon', north-east which is considered to be the unlucky direction, of the Dazaifu government office, religious services had been held on top of the mountain since before the shrine was built to provide protection of the Dazaifu. Various artifacts, such as Wadōkaichin coins and Nara sansai ceramic, those are relics of national ritual services, have been found from under the rock, where the Uemiya is now. Near the mountain top, there is also the rock called Batei-ishi which is related to the legend of Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, and Kamado-iwa.
Dazaifu Tenmangū
Dazaifu Tenmangū is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, who is known to be the god of learning. It is the head shrine of the Tenmangū shrines around Japan, along with Kitano Tenmangū in Kyōto.
More than 8 million visitors visit the shrine in a year. Not only tourists visit the shrine but also many students visit to pray for success in entrance examinations.
Kyushu National Museum
The Kyushu National Museum, located on the hills behind Dazaifu Tenmangū, is the 4th national museum in Japan, following Tokyo, Nara and Kyoto. It opened in 2005.
Since Kyūshū had been a key point between Japan and the continent, it collects items related to the cultural exchange between Kyūshū and Asia or Europe.
Admission fee is ￥700 for adults, ￥350 for College Students, and visitors below the age of 18 are free of charge. Opening hours are from 9:30am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays.
Dazaifu Amusement Park
Dazaifu Amusement Park is a small amusement park located next to Dazaifu Tenmangū. It opened in 1957, and has small amusement rides that can be enjoyed by small children.
Opening hours are from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Admission fees are ￥600 for adults and ￥400 for children. Additional fees are required for amusement rides.
Dazaifu Government Office Ruins
Dazaifu is a regional government that was established in the end of the 7th century, by the Imperial Court, to govern the western part of Japan. It was the political center of Kyūshū, and responsible for diplomacy and defence against Asia. The modern city of Dazaifu is named after it. Where Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of Dazaifu Tenmangū, was relegated to was also Dazaifu.
The Dazaifu Government Office, the center of Dazaifu, was in a large scale with buildings in the same style as Heijō Palace, in Nara that was the capital at the time. It was also called "Tofurō". The ruins are designated as a national special historic site.
Next to the ruins, there is the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall, that introduces the history of Dazaifu city and displays articles from the ruins. Admission fees are ￥200 for adults, ￥100 for college and high school students. Opening hours are from 9am to 4:30pm, closed on Mondays.
Sakamoto Hachimangū
Sakamoto Hachimangū is a shrine located near the Dazaifu Government Office Ruins. It is said that it stands where the residence of Ōtomo no Tabito, the Governor-General of Dazaifu government office. One of the poems included in the Man'yōshū, about the "Baika-no-utage", a poetic gathering to view plum blossoms held at this residence, is the origin of the name of the era, "Reiwa". It is gathering many visitors since the name was announced in April 2019.
Iwaya Castle Ruins
Iwaya Castle was a mountain castle built half-way up Mount Shiōji. It was a strong point of the Ōtomo clan, one of the major clans who had power over northern Kyūshū, and is known to be the battleground for the Siege of Iwaya Castle in which Shimazu clan took the castle.
Earthen walls and moats remain today. It is also a observation point with a panoramic view of Fukuoka plains. The night view is said to be one of the three most beautiful night scapes of Fukuoka.
Mizuki Castle Ruins
Mizuki Castle is an ancient fortress that was built over the area that will be Dazaifu city, Ōnojō city and Kasuga city. It was built in 664 to defend the Dazaifu Government Office in case of an invasion from the continent. It is designated as a national special historic site.
It was built accross the narrowest point of the plains, blocking the way from Hakata bay to Dazaifu. It was 1.2km long consisting of 13m high earthen walls and moats 60m wide. It had 2 gates open for traffic. The fortress is divided into parts by roads and railways, but some of the earthwork and foundation stones still remain.
Mizuki-kan which introduces the Mizuki Castle, and a viewing point is located near what is left of the east gate. It is free of admission and open from 9am to 4:30pm, closed on Mondays.
Ōno Castle Ruins
Ōno Castle was ancient castle built on top of Mount Shiōji extending over Dazaifu city, Ōnojō city and Umi town in Kasuya district. It was built in 665 as defensive preparations in case of an invasion of the Tang-Silla alliance, after the defeat of the combined Japanese and Baekje forces at the Battle of Baekgang. It is designated as a national special historic site, and chose as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.
It was a large castle surrounded by walls built along the ridge of the mountain, 8km long. Today, remains of stone walls, earthwork and stone foundations can be seen. The area is preserved as a park, Shiōji Kenmin-no-mori.
