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Dazaifu, Fukuoka

 
Wikipedia: Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Dazaifu
太宰府市
Location of Dazaifu
Dazaifu's location in Fukuoka, Japan.

Dazaifu, Fukuoka is located in Japan
Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Dazaifu's location in Japan.
Location
Country Japan Japan
Region Kyūshū
Prefecture Fukuoka
Physical characteristics
Area 29.61 km2 (11.43 sq mi)
Population (as of 2005)
     Total 67,428
     Density 2,277.20 /km2 (5,898 /sq mi)
Location 33°31′N 130°31′E / 33.517°N 130.517°E / 33.517; 130.517Coordinates: 33°31′N 130°31′E / 33.517°N 130.517°E / 33.517; 130.517
Symbols
Tree Kusunoki
Flower Ume blossom
Emblem of Dazaifu
Flag
Dazaifu Government Office
Mayor Yoshirō Satō
Address 1-1-1 Kanzeon-ji, Dazaifu-shi, Fukuoka-ken
818-0198
Phone number 092-921-2121
Official website: www.city.dazaifu.fukuoka.jp

Dazaifu (太宰府市 Dazaifu-shi?) is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Nearby cities include Ōnojō and Chikushino.

As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 67,428 and a density of 2,277.20 persons per km². The total area is 29.61 km².

The city was officially founded on April 1, 1982, although it has been important historically for around a thousand years.

Contents

History

Tenman-gū shrine in Dazaifu.

Dazaifu (大宰府?), the imperial office governing Kyūshū, was moved from present-day Fukuoka after 663. Dazaifu hosted foreign embassies from China and Korea. Kōrokan, a guesthouse for foreign embassies, was also established. From the Nara period through the Heian period and until the Kamakura period, Dazaifu was one of the military and administrative centers of Japan. In the Heian period, Dazaifu was a place of exile for high-ranking courtiers. Nobles exiled there include Sugawara no Michizane, who was later deified, and upon whose grave the Dazaifu Tenman-gū shrine stands.

Dazaifu was sometimes attacked by rebels. At other times the head of Dazaifu himself raised a rebellion.[chronology source needed]

With the invasions of the Mongols and the decline of imperial authority, Dazaifu became less politically significant. In the Muromachi period the political center of Kyūshū was moved to Hakata.

In medieval times, Dazaifu was the base of the Shōni clan, which was later expelled by the Ōuchi clan.

In the Edo period, Dazaifu was a part of the Kuroda han until its abolition in 1873.

Attractions

Stone garden at Kōmyōzen-ji

Kōmyōzen-ji is a Zen temple famous for its beautiful stone garden. It was built during the Kamakura period just next to Dazaifu Tenman-gū. All three are within walking distance of Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. Another temple of note in the area is Kanzeon-ji, built in the 8th century. It was once the chief Buddhist temple on Kyūshū and houses a number of historical, artistic, and religious treasures.

The ruins of the medieval Dazaifu Administrative Buildings, also located within walking distance of Dazaifu Station, are today a public park.

The Kyushu National Museum opened on October 16, 2005. A striking wood and glass building in a hilly landscape, it hosts collections of Japanese artifacts related to the history of Kyūshū.

Education

There are several universities in the city:

Area primary and secondary schools are administered by the Dazaifu Board of Education.

External Links


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