Temporary hall to replace the honden as it undergoes restoration

December 18, 2023

The honden of Dazaifu Tenmangu is undergoing restoration in preparation for a ceremony held at the shrine every 25 years. The ceremony will be held in 2027 to mark the 1,125th anniversary of the passing of Sugawara Michizane, who is enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu as the deity Tenjin.

The honden is an Important Cultural Property and is undergoing large-scale restoration for the first time in 124 years. The work began in May 2023 and will last 3 years. A temporary hall has been built in front of the honden for worshipers. The temporary hall is designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, the office of internationally renowned architect Sou Fujimoto who is the Expo Site Design Producer for Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.

The design is inspired by the legend of the flying plum tree that flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu in a single night to be with Sugawara Michizane. In a similar way, it transports the nature of the shrine grounds to the front of the honden. The overall appearance is of something impermanent, fitting with the purpose of the temporary hall. The hall blends in harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and continues tradition while taking it into the future.

We look forward to your visit.