Dazaifu Travel Guide (Fukuoka (prefecture)/Kyushu/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Dazaifu

Located in Fukuoka prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Dazaifu is a charming city that blends culture and nature effortlessly. Once the political centre of the region, the stunning city has a rich history that is preserved in its numerous historical spots - from gorgeous temples to museums dedicated to artefacts.

There is no shortage of natural beauty either: Picture dramatic mountain tops unfolding into sprawling plains, and emerald-green forests giving way to breathtaking waterfalls. Dazaifu is for anyone who enjoys a trip where culture meets nature.

List of Places to Visit in Dazaifu

Below are the must-see attractions and activities to partake in while exploring Dazaifu.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Here are the must-see historical and cultural attractions to visit in Dazaifu:

Tenmangu Shrine: Dedicated to a revered scholar and politician, this historical shrine features stunning gardens and is particularly popular for its plum trees which blossom in spring.
Kyushu National Museum: Discover the history and culture of Kyushu at this modern museum, showcasing several exhibitions on art, ceramics, and more.
Komyozenji - A magnificent Rinzai sect Buddhist temple established in the 13th century.
Dazaifu Government Office Site: A site where administrative work was conducted during the Kamakura Period, which is an excellent place for visitors to study local history.

Natural Attractions of Dazaifu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature-lovers will find much to explore in Dazaifu. Here are a few natural attractions worth visiting:

Mount Shiroishi: Set out on a scenic hike through the lush green forests of Mount Shiroishi.
Kasugayama Forest Park: Kasugayama Forest Park is a great spot to enjoy the sweeping views of Dazaifu’s plain, with hiking trails available for walking or trail running.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Reimeien Garden: Considered one of the best Japanese gardens in the Kyushu region, the Daziaufu Tenmangu Reimeien Garden is lushly green and beautifully designed with stone paths and water features.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dazaifu

Aside from stunning historical and natural attractions, Dazaifu offers various hiking and biking routes. Some popular routes for visitors to explore are:

Mount Shiroishi: At 301 metres high, the trek up Mount Shiroishi is an exciting experience for hiking enthusiasts.
Akizuki Castle: Explore the ruins of this feudal castle while enjoying the gorgeous Akizuki countryside, perfect for a fantastic hike.
Kyushu Olle: Follow the winding paths of Kyushu Olle to witness sprawling rice paddies, green countryside, and traditional landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Dazaifu: Activities and Tours

Dazaifu is known for having plenty of exciting activities and tours for visitors to participate in. Here are a few of the best:

Tea Ceremony Experience: Do not miss the chance to savour the local tea culture with a tea ceremony in one of the charming tea houses.
Kimono Experience: Visitors can revel in Japan’s vibrant culture, art, and style by indulging in a kimono experience to immerse themselves in the traditional Japanese way of life.
Udon Noodle-Making Experience: Travelers interested in gastronomy can participate in Udon Noodle-making and get a chance to make fresh udon noodles and taste them fresh.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dazaifu

To soak in as much of Dazaifu as possible, try the following week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Visit the Tenmangu Shrine before enjoying several activities at the museum.
Day 2: Explore the Kyushu National Park and Kasugayama Forest Park while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Day 3: Stroll around the streets of Dazaifu and attend a tea ceremony.
Day 4: Visit some of the town’s historical sites and engage in a kimono experience.
Day 5: Go hiking to Mount Shiroishi.
Day 6: Try the Udon Noodle-making experience before heading to the Kamado Jingu Shrine.
Day 7: Spend the day exploring anything you missed in the previous days or revisit some of your favourite spots.

Food and Drink Scene of Dazaifu

As with the rest of Japan, Dazaifu has an extensive food and drink culture with local dishes and drinks to savour. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Udon Noodles: Dazaifu is famous for its locally-grown wheat noodles cooked with a unique blend of soy sauce.
Tempura: Tempura, deep-fried seafood and vegetables, is a popular dish in Dazaifu.
Motsunabe: Tripe hot pot is a local specialty in Fukuoka prefecture, containing unique flavours and Konjac noodles.

Local Beverages

Mugi Shochu: Made from barley shochu in Kyushu, Mugi Shochu is easy to drink and goes well with any meal.
Sake: There are various types of sake in Kyushu, including Junmai-shu and Ginjo-shu.
Green tea: Savor the old-fashioned method of tea preparation in a tranquilly crafted tea-house while overlooking the lavish gardens.

Where to Stay in Dazaifu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several choices for visitors looking for a place to stay in Dazaifu. Here are a few of the options available:

Dazaifu Kanko Hotel (JAPANiCAN) - A luxurious hotel situated in the heart of Dazaifu, with rooms that are modern and spacious that feature comfortable beds and all standard amenities.
Guest House Hokorobi (Booking.com) - Located close to some of the top attractions in Dazaifu, including the Kyushu National Park and Forest Park.
Machiya - style guesthouse (Best Price) - Experience Japanese living by booking a stay in a traditional-style Machiya guesthouse, with elegantly designed Japanese interiors.

What to Buy in Dazaifu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Dazaifu can find various local products such as:

Mokomokai: Skipped crafts made of horse bones. Mokomokai means skull in the Ainu language.
Yame grown tea leaves: Visitors can purchase Yame-grown tea leaves, which are special because of the optimal climate condition found in Dazaifu.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Plum Wine: This local wine is made from the juicy plums grown on the shrine grounds in Tenmangu.

Local Culture and Customs of Dazaifu

While visiting Dazaifu, visitors should be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Bowing when greeting someone, taking shoes off before entering certain institutions, and proper behaviors in shrines and temples are some of the local customs and practices in Dazaifu.

Best Time to Visit Dazaifu

The best time to visit Dazaifu is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are characterized by temperate weather and beautiful greenery. Visitors during either of these seasons would appreciate the beautiful cherry blossoms, which bloom from late March to the first week of April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dazaifu

Do:

Respect traditional values and beliefs when visiting temples and shrines in Dazaifu.
Take your shoes off when entering or visiting someone else’s indoor domain, including shrines and temples.
Bow your head when greeting someone in Dazaifu.

Don’t:

Do not wear shoes in symbolically special locations, such as inside shrines and temples.
Do not litter or throw away food wrappers on the street.
Avoid unnecessary noise and disrespect.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Dazaifu should be aware of the following regarding safety and health:

Safety in Dazaifu

Dazaifu is generally a safe area, but visitors should take the standard and necessary precautions in safeguarding their valuables and belongings.

Health in Dazaifu

Dazaifu has numerous clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies to cater to any health-related issues visitors may have.

Getting to Dazaifu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Dazaifu can choose from several transportation options to get there, such as:

By Plane: Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is the closest airport to Dazaifu, with several flights available from cities across Japan and other international locations.
By Bus: Nishitetsu bus stops at the Dazaifu bus terminal, which is near central Dazaifu City.
By Train: From Hakata Station, take a local train to Futsukaichi Station, then switch to the Dazaifu train line’s destination for Dazaifu.

How to Get Around in Dazaifu

Visitors in Dazaifu have several transportation options to utilize:

By foot: Visitors can easily explore Dazaifu on foot, as several key tourist attractions and restaurants are in central Dazaifu.
By bicycle: Bicycles can rent from various stations throughout Dazaifu.
By taxi: Visitors can hail taxis in various locations within Dazaifu.

Where to Go Next from Dazaifu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Dazaifu can extend their exploration by outfitting these nearby destinations:

Kumamoto: The beautiful Kumamoto Castle built in the 17th century by Katō Kiyomasa.
Nagasaki: Nagasaki is a beautiful city with a unique character, rich history and culture - including Dejima, which was Japan’s only international trading port in the past.
Fukuoka: The city is Japan’s fifth-largest city and has a vibrant culture that includes seasonal festivals, delicious food, parks and gardens, streets lined with cherry blossoms, and fascinating museums.

Conclusion

Dazaifu is a stunning city that is sure to appeal to visitors of all tastes. From its rich history to its breathtaking scenery, visitors to Dazaifu will discover a charm that lingers well after the trip is over. We hope this travel guide was handy in planning and making the most of your time in Dazaifu.

Dazaifu Image Gallery

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine