太宰府天満宮は、「学問の神様」として広く信仰される菅原道真公をお祀りする全国約12,000社の天満宮の総本宮です。道真公は平安時代の優れた学者・政治家でしたが、政争により太宰府に左遷され、この地で生涯を終えました。
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan, all dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane — revered as the deity of learning. Michizane was a brilliant Heian-era scholar and statesman who was exiled to Dazaifu through political intrigue and spent his final days here.
「東風吹かば 匂ひおこせよ 梅の花
主なしとて 春な忘れそ」── 菅原道真
When the east wind blows, let it send your fragrance,
oh plum blossoms — do not forget the spring,
even though your master is gone.
御本殿の前に立つ「飛梅」は、道真公を慕って京都から一夜にして飛んできたという伝承を持つ御神木です。境内には約6,000本の梅が植えられ、毎年春には見事な花を咲かせます。参道には名物「梅ヶ枝餅」の店が立ち並び、焼きたての香ばしい香りが参拝者を迎えます。
The 'Flying Plum' tree before the main hall is said to have flown overnight from Kyoto out of devotion to Michizane. The grounds hold some 6,000 plum trees that bloom magnificently each spring. Along the approach, shops selling the famous umegae-mochi rice cakes greet visitors with their warm, toasted fragrance.