Located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Tenkai Inari Daimyojin is an Inari Shrine found within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine . Dazaifu Tenmangu is very famous and dedicated to the deified form of the famous scholar, Sugawarano Michizane. It is about a 15-minute walk from Tenmangu Shrine to Tenkai Inari Daiymoujin Shrine.
The impression you get is that not as many worshippers visit Tenkai Inari Shrine as they do the much more famous Dazaifu Tenmangu. However, those who do visit know it as Kyushu's number one Inari shrine for good fortune. It is said that the shrine was built in the latter part of the Kamaura Period to share the Inari deity that is enshrined in Kyoto's Fumishi Inari Taisha Shrine.
In a similar manner to that of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tenkai Inari Shrine has many vermilion torii gates. Going through the gates to the end, you'll see a small Haiden worship hall with beautiful hydrangeas growing in the garden. On both sides are 12 bells, each with a Chinese eto zodiac name written on it. Visitors choose the bell that corresponds their zodiac and ring it. You then ring the large bell in the centre and follow it with a pray or wish.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is popular enough that many people, both Japanese and non-Japanese come to visit and pray. The shrine grounds are quite large and visitors are able to enjoy seasonal flower as well as food as there are plenty of stores on the road leaving the shrine. A famous food is Umegae Mochi. Filled with delicious tasting red bean paste, these rice cakes are a local sweet of Dazaifu. Interesting, visitors will also find a Starbucks cafe with a very unique building.
Dazaifu is a popular place where you can easily enjoy your time there.
