tsuna shiki tenmanguu

Tsunashiki Tenmangū is a shrine located in Takatsuka, Chikujō Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane. In 901 (Shōtai 4), as Michizane was being exiled to Dazaifu, the ship he boarded was wrecked and drifted ashore at Takatsuka Beach. According to tradition, villagers spread the ship's ropes in a circular seat to welcome him, which became the origin of the shrine's name. A shrine building was constructed in 955 (Tenryaku 9) by order of the provincial government, and it came to be called Tsunashiki Tenmangū. Once a prefectural shrine of distinguished standing, it is also known locally as Hama no Miya (Shore Shrine) and is called the Eastern Dazaifu. About 1,000 plum trees are planted in the precincts, and a plum festival is held during the blooming season, welcoming many worshippers to this shrine of learning.