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.
Sugawara Michizane 1,125th Anniversary Grand Festival
2027 marks the 1,125th anniversary of the passing of Sugawara Michizane (845–903). Also known as Tenjin, he is revered as the deity of learning, culture, the arts, and protection from misfortune. His spirit is enshrined in Dazaifu Tenmangu, which was built on his burial site. The heart of the Tenjin faith for over 1,100 years and the head shrine for approximately 10,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu draws worshippers from around the globe.
The number 25 is deeply significant in the Tenjin faith, directly referencing the date of Michizane’s birth (June 25) and the date of his passing (February 25). To honor this connection, the shrine conducts a ceremony (Tsukinamisai) on the 25th of every month. Additionally, a festival is held every 25 years to revitalize the deity's divine power and ensure the continuity of the Tenjin faith. The upcoming Sugawara Michizane 1,125th Anniversary Grand Festival will honor the divine spirit of Michizane. Coinciding with the event, the shrine is launching a series of commemorative projects to further promote the Tenjin faith.
Commemorative projects
・Renovations of the Honden main sanctuary, Romon gate, and Kairo covered corridors (the major renovation of the Honden is the first of its scale in 124 years)
・Fire- and disaster-proofing works
・Tenjin no Mori forest conservation activities
Appeal for Support
Dazaifu Tenmangu was founded upon the burial site of Sugawara Michizane, the deity of learning, culture, the arts, and protection from misfortune. For over 1,100 years, the shrine has been revered as the sacred site of Michizane’s eternal rest.
We who live today bear the important responsibility of passing down to the future, in the best possible condition, the cultural assets entrusted to us by our ancestors. These assets include the buildings centered around the Honden main sanctuary, the Tenjin no Mori forest where there are camphor trees over 1,000 years old, and the many other cultural properties that tell the story of the Tenjin faith.
In preparation for the momentous Sugawara Michizane 1,125th Anniversary Grand Festival at Dazaifu Tenmangu in 2027, we have launched a series of commemorative projects. These include a major restoration of the Honden, which is designated an Important Cultural Property. This massive undertaking, the first of its kind in 124 years, will replace the cypress bark roofing and restore the hall’s lacquerwork.
Beyond this renovation, we are dedicated to numerous other essential projects. These include the study of cultural properties and the ongoing maintenance of the shrine’s grounds and structures, all while supporting the broader development of Japanese culture.
Therefore, we sincerely ask for your understanding, agreement, and generous support for these vital undertakings.
Nishitakatsuji Nobuyoshi
Chief Priest of Dazaifu Tenmangu
Commemorative projects
・Major renovations of the Honden main sanctuary and the Shigasha subsidiary shrine, both designated Important Cultural Properties
・Renovations of the Romon gate and Kairo covered corridors
・Fire- and disaster-proofing works
・Tenjin no Mori forest conservation activities
・Grounds maintenance
・Renovation of Tenkai Inari Shrine
・Disaster proofing of the Treasure Hall and restoration of the archived materials
Fundraising guidelines
Target amount: 1 billion yen
We welcome contributions upward of 10,000 yen. Contributors of 30,000 yen or more may choose to have their names displayed on the shrine grounds.
Click here to make a contribution (available in Japanese only).