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Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine

A Hachimangu Shrine associated with the era name “Reiwa”.

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The shrine was founded in the early 16th century, and is dedicated to Emperor Ojin, who is revered as the Sakamoto area’s local deity and guardian deity. The shrine became well-known throughout the country for its association with the Japanese era name "Reiwa".

Nearby are the ruins of the Dazaifu Government Office from the Nara period (710-794), and the area around the shrine is said to have been the residence of Otomo-no-Tabito, a Manyo period poet who was assigned to the Dazaifu Government Office as Governor. Otomo Tabito hosted a "Plum Blossom Party," and in the preface to the "32 Poems," he wrote, "Shoshun Reigetsu (in the new spring, in a fair month,) Kishuku Fuwa (the air was clear and the wind a gentle breeze)," which led to the adoption of the Japanese era name, "Reiwa."

In the shrine's precincts, there is a stone monument of "Reiwa" and a poetry monument of Tabito, and the shrine sells talismans commemorating the era name "Reiwa" and talismans featuring Tabito's "plum blossom party." Long lines formed at the shrine on the day of the era name change and the New Year's holiday the following year to obtain a Goshuin (red stamp), and many visitors still visit the shrine today.

The letters "Reiwa" on the stone monument were carved from Osami Mozumi's calligraphy, which was displayed by the Chief Cabinet Secretary at the time of the announcement of the new name.

Highlights

  • The shrine associated with the Japanese era name “Reiwa”.
  • Surrounded by lush mountain village scenery.
  • Red stamps and talismans are available.
  • The neighborhood is rich in history, with numerous historic sites, temples, and shrines.

Photos

  • The Honden (main shrine), the guardian deity of the Sakamoto area.

    The Honden (main shrine), the guardian deity of the Sakamoto area.

  • The shrine surrounded by lush greenery.

    The shrine surrounded by lush greenery.

  • The stone monument “Reiwa”

    The stone monument “Reiwa”

  • It is popular as a guardian deity of the community.

    It is popular as a guardian deity of the community.

  • The poetry monument of Otomo-no-Tabito.

    The poetry monument of Otomo-no-Tabito.

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Details

Name in Japanese
坂本八幡宮
Postal Code
818-0133
Address
3-14-23 Sakamoto, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Telephone
092-928-3100
Holiday
The shrine office is closed on weekdays. (On closed days, visitors can order Goshuin and talismans by completing an application form at the shrine office's entrance. The order will be mailed later.)
Business Hours
Free to visit (shrine office is open on weekends and national holidays from 10:00am to 4:00pm)
Directions
A 15-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tofuro-mae Station