Chasing Plum Blossoms at Dazaifu Tenmangu

#cherryblossom25 6,000 Fragrant Plum Trees at Dazaifu Tenmangu At Dazaifu Tenmangu, a prestigious shrine located in Dazaifu City, approximately 6,000 plum trees of 200 different varieties burst into full bloom from late January to early March. The first to bloom within the grounds is the sacred tree called “Tobiume,” which stands to the right of the Honden (main sanctuary). According to legend, when the powerful court figure Sugawara no Michizane was unjustly exiled to what is now Dazaifu City in 901, the plum tree flew from Kyoto to follow him. Sugawara no Michizane is now the enshrined deity of Dazaifu Tenmangu. After viewing the impressive plum blossoms, head over to the shrine's approach to enjoy “umegae mochi,” a delicious confectionery made with a rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste.