Mentai-ju News vol.23

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines, and is where Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined. It is visited by many worshippers and tourists throughout the year.
The grounds also include Nakashima Shrine, and since October this year, the confectionery charms that were dedicated to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the shrine's founding have been gaining popularity.

Nakajima Shrine is located to the right of the main hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and to the left of the treasure hall. The main deity is Tajimamori no Mikoto, the god of sweets.
According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, it is said that the Emperor Suinin brought back the finest sweets, "tachibana fruit," from the continent. Even today, there are tachibana trees near the shrine, which bear small yellow fruits in the winter.
In addition, a confectionery festival is held every spring and autumn, where many sweets are offered and prayers are offered for the development of the confectionery industry.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the shrine's establishment. To commemorate this milestone, a "confectionery charm" was created, embroidered with Japanese sweets such as sakura mochi and taiyaki, as well as Western sweets such as castella and madeleines.
It is said to bring success and prosperity to people involved in the confectionery industry, and that many people will be able to find wonderful sweets. Its cute appearance has also attracted attention on television and the Internet. You can get one at each charm shop inside the tower gate.
We also recommend a pilgrimage trip to Dazaifu, where you can visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Nakajima Shrine to say hello for the New Year and enjoy the lively approach to the shrines.

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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
【access】
・5 minutes walk from Dazaifu Station on the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line
・About 15 minutes by car from Dazaifu IC