What to know
Dazaifu (太宰府) was founded in the late 7th century and for over 500 years served as the administrative hub of Kyushu. Built slightly inland from Fukuoka, whose port was a key gateway between Japan and mainland Asia, Dazaifu played a crucial role in diplomacy and defense, even as the imperial court governed from the Kansai region.
Today, Dazaifu is a peaceful small town on the outskirts of Fukuoka, ideal for a day trip. It boasts several temples and shrines, most notably Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, along with historical sites like the Government Office Ruins that recall its administrative past. In 2005, the vast Kyushu National Museum also opened here.
