Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Grab a Bite Before Seeking Knowledge

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is arguably the most famous Tenmangu Shrine in Japan, dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. 🚌 It's easily accessible by bus from the Hakata Station bus terminal in Fukuoka. Hakata Station 🌸 The approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is practically a massive food street. There are many souvenir and food shops on both sides, but most of them are long-established shops selling *umegae mochi* (plum branch rice cakes). It's hard to tell which one is the most authentic, as they all look pretty similar. I didn't do any specific research, so I just randomly chose a shop near the shrine. The *umegae mochi* were made fresh on the spot and were piping hot. 🫓 The *umegae mochi* skin is made of glutinous rice, and the filling is usually red bean paste. The texture is soft, glutinous, and sweet. 📕 Legend has it that when Sugawara no Michizane was exiled, an old woman roasted this kind of cake using a plum branch and gave it to him, hence the name "*umegae mochi*". 🍽 Dining Recommendations: 🔹 There's also a shop selling *mentaiko* (spicy cod roe) *chazuke* (rice with tea). It's super popular, with long queues. 🔸 There's also a Starbucks that's very popular, mainly because it was designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma. Many people come to check it out. The entrance features his signature "interwoven wooden structure."