Yamaguchi｜Meet Daruma and cherry blossoms at Hofu Tenmangu Shrine The oldest Tenmangu Shrine meets Taiwan's money box

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the three oldest Tenmangu Shrines, along with Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. According to legend, when Sugawara no Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu, Yamaguchi-Hofu was his last stop. It is said that when Michizane passed away, divine light appeared in Katsumama Bay in Hofu and auspicious clouds appeared on Mt. Sakadare. The local people believed that Sugawara no Michizane had returned, so they built the first Fuso Suga Temple, which later became Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. Sugawara no Michizane studied hard since he was young, and his family was loyal to the emperor, but he was framed and exiled to Dazaifu. After his death, strange signs fell from the sky in Kyoto, and finally the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was built to appease the situation. Because he is revered as the god of learning, candidates enshrine Daruma tumblers here to pray for passing, smooth competitions and national examinations, creating a special spectacle. Another special thing is that Shaoxing wine and Taiwanese pineapples are offered in the worship hall. Because Tenmangu Shrine is about to hold a grand festival, with the help of Japanese companies, a cypress box donated by Chiayi County and private enterprises was officially placed in front of the worship hall a few days ago, becoming a link between Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and Taiwan. The plum blossoms and cherry blossoms in the area are in full bloom at the same time, reflecting the Chunfeng Tower. Chunfeng Tower actually has a great history. In 1822, the tenth feudal lord originally wanted to build a five-story pagoda here. Later, due to lack of funds, the first-story structure was preserved and transformed into an elevated double-eaved hip-and-gable roof-style building. Now it is a tangible cultural property, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons in Chunfeng Tower. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine has collaborated with ANA to launch the Goshuin Book, a limited edition Goshuin for the 1125 festival, the Love Amulet from the Love Shrine, and the cute Haniwa Mikuji. It can be seen that the temple is very serious about attracting believers to come and worship. 📍Address: 〒747-0029 14-1 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚗It is a 20-minute walk from Hofu Station. There are very few buses. If you have enough time, take the bus to Amida-ji Temple and get off at Tenmangu Station. #MarchGoodPlaces2025