The Starbucks on the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was designed by architect Kengo Kuma and stands out from the other shops along the street. The interwoven and arranged wooden beams give the otherwise rigid architectural structure a distinctive sense of space. Even if you don't go in for coffee, the unique architecture will draw you in and make you stop for a photo. This Starbucks has become one of the area's most prominent landmarks.
Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of 10,000 different shrines across Japan dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara was an acclaimed scholar who was deemed innocent posthumously after being exiled to Dazaifu by Kyoto’s Imperial Court. The main hall was built over his grave and has been preserved as a sacred site of Tenjin worship for over 1100 years.
When visiting Fukuoka, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a stop you shouldn't miss. It enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the “god of learning, culture, and the arts,” and is an important sacred site of Tenmangu worship in Japan, attracting large numbers of visitors each year.
Walking along the approach, you'll find one souvenir, dessert, and snack shop after another. Even before entering the shrine, the lively street scene draws you in, with tradition and modernity naturally coexisting here.
The first thing you'll encounter is the iconic sacred ox statue. There's always a long line at the one near the entrance, as legend says rubbing the ox's head brings wisdom. Look closely and you'll see that its head and horns have been polished to a shine by countless hands—apparently, plenty of people want to become smarter.
Further ahead are Shinji Pond and the arched bridges. The three vermilion bridges symbolize the past, present, and future, and crossing them also represents gradually approaching the sacred presence of the deity.
The “Flying Plum Tree” to the right of the main sanctuary is also not to be missed. Legend says that when Sugawara Michizane left Kyoto, the plum tree, longing for its master, flew to Dazaifu overnight, giving rise to the legend of the “Flying Plum Tree.” Renovations to the main sanctuary are now in their final stages. During the work, a temporary hall designed by architect Sou Fujimoto has served as the place of worship, creating an interesting scene where a traditional shrine and modern architecture come together.
After paying your respects, don't forget the amulets and goshuin shrine seal. Academic success amulets are the most popular, but there are also amulets for health and longevity, traffic safety, finding love, and more.
Once you leave the shrine, the food tour is just beginning. Dazaifu's specialty, umegae mochi, is best eaten hot. Despite the word “ume,” or plum, in its name, it doesn't actually contain any plum. It's made with a glutinous rice cake exterior wrapped around sweet red bean paste and stamped with a plum blossom pattern. The outside is slightly crisp, while the filling is warm and sweet. Eating it as you walk is the most authentic Dazaifu experience.
When your feet get tired, you can also take a break at the Starbucks designed by Kengo Kuma. The traditional wooden lattice structure extends from the entrance into the store, with interlocking wood creating a distinctive, warm space.
A visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine connects sights and food all along the way, from the sacred ox, arched bridges, and Flying Plum Tree to amulets, umegae mochi, and Starbucks. It may seem like a sightseeing stroll, but every spot holds a story about Sugawara Michizane. Perhaps that's what makes Dazaifu a place people want to visit again and again. -
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Yunotsubo Kaido
Yunotsubo Kaido is a charming street located about a 10-minute walk from Yufuin Station. This 800-meter-long street is dotted with souvenir shops, cafes, and museums.
On a bright afternoon at the beginning of autumn, Yunotsubo Kaido was bustling with people. Travelers from all over seemed to have gathered by chance along Yufuin's most popular walking route, adding a lively atmosphere to the town.
Shops line both sides of the street. In addition to the usual restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops, there are traditional Japanese craft stores and art shops in a variety of styles. Snoopy Chaya, Miffy Bakery, Donguri Republic, and the Harry Potter-themed shop in Floral Village also draw many visitors who stop and linger. As I walked along, I was sometimes drawn in by the tempting aroma of sweets and sometimes stopped by the dazzling assortment of goods and handicrafts.
Yunotsubo Kaido is a walking street that blends European charm with the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside. Strolling along it, you can enjoy shopping while also experiencing Yufuin's unique, laid-back atmosphere. Laughter fills the street, and everyone's face radiates the joy of traveling.
This is more than just a shopping street. It feels like a picturesque little town where culture, art, food, and scenery are all condensed into one place. There is a view at every step and a surprise in every shop. Travelers can slow down and leisurely experience the warmth of Yufuin.
Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, Yunotsubo Kaido is worth exploring with a relaxed mind and an unhurried pace. Walk slowly, take a close look, and fully enjoy this laid-back time in Yufuin. -
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Kinrin Lake
Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.
Kinrin Lake is a popular spot in Yufuin that almost no visitor misses. Although the lake isn't large, its surface sparkles in the sunlight, and it is surrounded by maple trees. If you visit in the fall, you may see their fiery red reflections on the lake. If you enjoy photography, don't miss the early morning mist, when you may get to see the dreamy, otherworldly sky torii gate!
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