The “Shinkoshiki Grand Festival,” held every year in September at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a traditional event that has continued since the Heian period. This festival, which is the most important at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, comforts the spirit of Tenjin-sama (Sugawara no Michizane) and prays for the peace of the nation and a bountiful harvest.
Highlights of the Shinkoshiki Grand Festival
O-Kudari no Gi (The Descent Ceremony) and O-Agari no Gi (The Ascent Ceremony): A procession of about 500 people dressed in Heian period costumes parades from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to Enoki Shrine. The elegant and historical scroll-like spectacle overwhelms viewers.
Sen-Tomyo (Thousand Lights): On the final night, about 1,000 candles are lit in the Shinji Pond, creating a fantastical scene. Let’s offer our prayers to Tenjin-sama in a solemn atmosphere.
Event Information
| Item | Information |
| Address | 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0195 Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine |
| Phone Number | 092-922-8225 (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine) |
| Event Period | September 20 (Fri) to 25 (Wed), 2024 |
| September 21: O-Kudari no Gi (The Descent Ceremony) | |
| September 22: O-Agari no Gi (The Ascent Ceremony) | |
| September 25: Sen-Tomyo (Thousand Lights) | |
| Parking | Available (paid) |
| Access | Approximately 5 minutes walk from Nishitetsu “Dazaifu Station” |
| Approximately 15 minutes from the Kyushu Longitudinal Expressway “Dazaifu IC” |
A Trip to Enjoy Autumn in Dazaifu
Why not enjoy sightseeing around Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in conjunction with the Shinkoshiki Grand Festival? Autumn in Dazaifu, where the autumn leaves begin to turn, is full of charm. Let’s fully enjoy the fascinating Dazaifu, including the approach to the shrine, gourmet food, and historical walks.