Things To Do
in Dazaifu
Dazaifu is a historic city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its well-preserved ancient temples and shrines, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent scholar and politician. The city also boasts beautiful gardens and traditional tea houses, offering visitors a serene retreat into Japanese culture and history.
With its charming streets lined with shops and cafes, Dazaifu is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a peaceful escape.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the serene gardens surrounding the shrine.
Visit the Kyushu National Museum to explore fascinating exhibits on the region's history. Don't miss the beautiful architecture of the museum itself.
Wander through the charming streets of Dazaifu and try local delicacies such as umegae mochi. Relax at a traditional tea house to end your day.
Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to learn about its significance and enjoy the beautiful architecture. Take your time exploring the surrounding gardens.
Check out the Dazaifu Amulet Museum showcasing various charms and amulets. Perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
Dine at one of the local izakayas to taste authentic Dazaifu cuisine. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals unwind with drinks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, with historic temples and shrines such as the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including parks and gardens that are ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Accessible transportation options, making it easy to reach from major cities like Fukuoka.
- Vibrant seasonal festivals that showcase local traditions and community spirit.
- Famous for its sweet treats, such as umegae mochi, offering a unique culinary experience.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, which may detract from the experience.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities, which may not appeal to all visitors.
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable at times.
- Some sites may require admission fees, which can add up during a visit.
- Language barrier as English is not widely spoken, potentially complicating navigation and communication.
Best Activities in Dazaifu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the beautiful Komyozenji Temple and its serene moss garden
Tours
Uncover the best of Dazaifu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dazaifu
Visit one of these nice places.
Renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, offering picturesque views and great photo opportunities.
Known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, with well-maintained gardens and historic structures that make for great photo opportunities.
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a mesmerizing sight and offer excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Dazaifu
Dazaifu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy cod roe is a regional delicacy in Dazaifu. It’s often enjoyed as a topping on rice or simmered in a hot pot. Look for it at Izakaya Yatai Mentai Atelier.
Must-Try!
A traditional sweet made of glutinous rice, filled with red bean paste, and topped with kinako (soybean flour) and Kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup). You can find this treat at Umegae Mochi Honpo.
Roasted sweet potatoes, a popular street food snack in Dazaifu, can be found at stalls near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dazaifu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling street is lined with vendors selling various street foods such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and matcha-flavored snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dazaifu, it is important to show respect for elders by greeting them with a bow and using honorific language.
Politeness is highly valued in Dazaifu, so it is important to use polite language and gestures when interacting with locals.
Dazaifu has a rich cultural heritage, and showing appreciation for traditional customs and practices is a way to show respect for the local culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dazaifu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Dazaifu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Dazaifu. It is generally not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Dazaifu, like the rest of Japan, cash is predominantly used for transactions. While credit cards are accepted at some larger stores and restaurants, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller establishments and local vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Dazaifu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Dazaifu, with cherry blossoms blooming and a pleasant, mild climate. The annual Ume (plum) festival in February and March is a highlight, and visitors can enjoy exploring the vibrant greenery and gardens.
In summer, Dazaifu experiences hot and humid weather, but it is also the time for exciting festivals such as the Tenmangu Shrine's Hojoe Festival in July and August. Despite the heat, this season offers the opportunity to partake in traditional Japanese summer festivities.
Autumn brings stunning foliage to Dazaifu, with the maple trees transforming the landscape into a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows. The cool and comfortable temperatures make this a popular time for visitors to explore the natural beauty and historic sites.
Winter in Dazaifu can be cold, but the city takes on a serene and quiet charm. It is a great time to visit the Kyushu National Museum or soak in the relaxing hot springs. The crisp air and the absence of crowds create a peaceful and unique experience.
Dazaifu at Night
Hiking in Dazaifu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain with a variety of hiking trails offering beautiful views of the surrounding area, popular among both locals and tourists.
A well-known hiking spot that features multiple trails suitable for different levels of hiking experience, with stunning views from the summit.
This hiking area offers a relatively easy trek with a rich variety of flora and fauna, ideal for a leisurely day out in nature.
A small mountain with serene hiking paths and picturesque landscapes, perfect for a quiet hike away from the busy city.
A series of scenic trails that connect the famous Dazaifu Temmangū shrine with surrounding nature spots, merging cultural experiences with outdoor activities.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Dazaifu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Dazaifu by plane.
The nearest international airport to Dazaifu, located approximately 10 km to the northwest. It serves both domestic and international flights.
Located about 90 km southwest of Dazaifu, this airport serves domestic flights and some international services.
Situated approximately 120 km west of Dazaifu, this airport connects several domestic routes and offers limited international flights.
Located around 70 km north of Dazaifu, this airport is known for its domestic services and some international connections.
About 130 km to the northwest of Dazaifu, it mainly serves domestic flights with a few international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Dazaifu, consisting of native Japanese citizens.
A significant minority, primarily comprised of descendants of those who migrated during the early 20th century.
Another minority group, including recent immigrants and those with long-standing ties to the region.
Includes individuals from various countries in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
A smaller percentage of the population comprising expatriates and foreign-born individuals living in Dazaifu.
The Soul of Dazaifu
Discover the essence of Dazaifu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is immensely popular in Japan, including Dazaifu, with many local teams and schools participating in tournaments.
Soccer has a strong following in Dazaifu, with numerous local clubs and youth programs fostering talent.
Kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art of fencing, is practiced widely in schools and dojos throughout Dazaifu.
Although not as commonly practiced at the local level, sumo has a significant cultural presence in Japan, including exhibitions and local tournaments.
Running events and marathons are popular in Dazaifu, with local residents participating in various competitions throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dazaifu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Dazaifu traditionally leans towards seafood-centric offerings, many restaurants and cafes provide vegetarian options like vegetable tempura, tofu-based dishes, and matcha-flavored treats. Look for establishments like Tempura Tenjin Honten and Matcha Cafe Chaho.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like sashimi, grilled meats, and rice-based snacks, which are prevalent in Dazaifu's culinary scene.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Dazaifu with these cultural adventures.
