Autumn Foliage at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and KamadoShrine: Video introduction

Photo：Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture

This video, titled "Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Mt. Hozan｜Hiking and Autumn Leaves at Kamado Shrine SONY a6500" (太宰府天満宮　Dazaifu tenmangu宝満山　登山　紅葉の竈門神社(かまど) SONY a6500), was uploaded by "Ishii Valley" (石井渓谷).

The 4.5-minute video shows the beautiful autumn foliage found at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kamado Shrine. The video provides a realistic feeling as if you were actually visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kamado Shrine. Be sure to check out the beautiful autumn leaves in the video, especially around the 2-minute mark!

How to Get To Homanzan Kamado Shrine From Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Photo：Kamado Shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture

Dazaifu, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region, is widely known for Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. However, if you visit in the fall, there's another spot that we highly recommend you visit in conjunction with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. That is, Kamado Shrine.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kamado Shrine are located very close to one another, so it's possible to visit both places in the same day.

If you're going from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a 5-minute walk from Dazaifu Station, to Kamado Shrine, it will take you about 30 minutes on foot. If you use public transportation, the Mahoroba bus (まほろば号) is a convenient way to get to the shrine. Take the bus bound for Uchiyama (内山) from the bus stop Miyamae (宮前) (in front of the Sanjo 7-Eleven), and you will arrive at the last stop, Uchiyama (in front of the shrine), in about 7 minutes.

Since there are not many buses, you may want to check the bus schedule in advance before visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

On the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, you'll find a variety of snacks, such as umegae mochi, a specialty of Fukuoka, as well as Japanese sweets made from strawberries, and Mont Blanc. There is also a wide variety of restaurants in the area, and other stalls selling things like steamed buns. If you have time to spare, consider taking a break for lunch or a quick snack.

Kamado Shrine and the Anime Demon Slayer + Popular Charms

Photo：Mt. Homan, Fukuoka Prefecture

Homanzan Kamado Shrine has seen an increase in the number of visitors to the shrine, due to the enormous popularity of Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba). However, not many people know much about Kamado Shrine itself.

Kamado Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Homan, known as a sacred mountain of Dazaifu. Mt. Homan is the located in the northeast, an unlucky direction, and rituals were held here to protect Dazaifu and the nation, leading to the construction of the Shinto shrine on the site.
The main deity is Tamayori-hime no Mikoto. This deity is known as a god of marriage because of her divine power to attract souls ("tama," in Japanese). In addition, the shrine is also blessed with the power to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.

It's said that the shrine's popularity was sparked by the fact that the surname of Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of Demon Slayer, is the same as that of the Kamado Shrine. The shrine is said to have been named after Mt. Homan, the mountain on which it stands, because of its shape, which resembles a kamado (a type of traditional Japanese stove).
As mentioned above, the fact that the shrine was built to ward off demons is also a point of interest to fans of Demon Slayer.

One of the most popular spots at the shrine is the amulet office. The building was designed based on the concept of "a building that will continue to be loved even 100 years from now," with pink and white as its base color, creating a modern atmosphere. When the shrine office was rebuilt, world-renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama participated in the project, and the benches and chairs on the observation terrace were designed by Jasper Morrison. Be sure to take a look at the stylish shrine office, as it's not something you'd expect to find at a Shinto shrine.

One of the most popular spots at the shrine is the amulet office. The building was designed based on the concept of "a building that will continue to be loved even 100 years from now," with pink and white as its base color, creating a modern atmosphere. When the shrine office was rebuilt, world-renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama participated in the project, and the benches and chairs on the observation terrace were designed by Jasper Morrison. Be sure to take a look at the stylish shrine office, as it's not something you'd expect to find at a Shinto shrine.

As for good luck charms, or "omamori" (お守り) in Japanese, the most popular is the ichigo omamori (いちごお守り, strawberry charm). In the old days, the four-character idiom "Ichi-go ichi-e" (一期一会), a Japanese phrase used to describe once-in-a-lifetime encounters, was used to describe a marriage or an important match, and this amulet is a prayer for such precious encounters to come true.
There are many other cute charms and amulets sold at the shrine besides the strawberry charm, so consider purchasing one to commemorate your visit to the shrine.

Hiking Mt. Homan, a Popular Sacred Mountain in Dazaifu, Fukuoka

Photo：A hiking trail on Mt. Homan, Fukuoka Prefecture

Mt. Homan, located in Dazaifu City, is a sacred mountain that has been praised since ancient times as a mountain where the gods dwell. It's a very popular mountain among hikers, many of whom visit the mountain to climb it.

There are several trails for hiking Mt. Homan, but the most popular is the standard trail starting from Kamado Shrine. After passing through the Ichino-torii (first shrine gate), you'll find a full-fledged trail with stone steps.
The ascent will take about 2 hours, and the descent will be a little quicker, at around 1.5 hours. Although the trails on Mt. Homan are well maintained, there are some steep points, such as "Hyakudan Ganki" (100段ガンキ), a series of 100 steep steps. Please make sure you are fully prepared for the challenge when hiking up the mountain.

A breathtaking panoramic view awaits you after you reach the summit. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and seasonal flowers along the trail as you climb the mountain. You can also pay a visit to the Jogu (the highest point of the shrine) of Kamado Shrine, which is located at the top.

The Autumn Festival at Kamado Shrine and the Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves

Photo：Autumn leaves at Kamado Shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture

In autumn, Kamado Shrine is enveloped in a vibrant palette of colorful. The best time to view the autumn leaves at Kamado Shrine is usually from early November to early December, with the Autumn Leaves Festival being held at the end of November.

The Autumn Leaves Festival usually attracts many visitors, with stalls selling freshly picked vegetables and refreshments, flea markets selling a variety of goods, and even stalls seasonal spirits.

The best time to see the autumn leaves at the shrine is at night. The contrast between the blue skies, green trees, and the bright red autumn leaves is different from the atmosphere of the shrine at night, when the autumn leaves are illuminated. Be sure to enjoy the night view from the observatory.

Things to Do Near Kamado Shrine

Photo：Kyushu National Museum. Fukuoka Prefecture

Despite Dazaifu and Kamado Shrine being located on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, there are a number of attractions to check out in the area.

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum features an Entrance Hall with a variety of facilities, and also hosts special displays, concerts, and events.
There is also a Special Exhibition Hall that hosts a number of special exhibitions, a Cultural Exchange Exhibition Hall featuring regularly rotation exhibits, and Interactive Exhibition Gallery where guests of all ages can learn about Japan and countries that Japan has interacted with throughout history.
Don't forget to check out the Museum Shop for souvenirs!

Hours: 9:30 am - 5: 00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm). 9:30 am - 8:00 pm (last entry 7:30 pm) on Fridays and Saturdays during special exhibitions.
Closed: Mondays and public holidays. If Monday is a public holiday, the museum will open and the following day it will be closed.
Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen, University Students: 350 yen, High school students and younger: Free, Seniors (70+): Free, Persons with disabilities: Free

Dazaifu Amusement Park
For those traveling with kids, the Dazaifu Amusement Park is a great place to relax and have fun with a family. The park roller coasters, water coasters, merri-go-rounds, petting zoos, and all sorts of activities that families can enjoy together.
Additionally, there are food areas where you can grab lunch, shops for buying gifts, and even nursing facilities that can be used freely, and stroller rentals available.

Hours: (Weekdays) 10:30 am - 4:30 pm, (Weekends & Holidays) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Closed: No regular closures. Please check the official website for more information.
Admission Fee:
Admission only - Adults (Middle school students and older): 600 yen, Seniors (65+): 500 yen, Children (Ages 3 to Elementary school students): 400 yen.
Free ride pass - Adults (Middle school students and older): 2,900 yen, Seniors (65+): 2,800 yen, Children (Ages 3 to Elementary school students): 2,700 yen.

Nearby Onsen
Also located nearby are a number of onsen (hot spring) facilities. If you're looking to relax after a day of traveling or just looking to enjoy a nice warm bath, be sure to look up some hot springs in the area when visiting.

Summary of Kamado Shrine, Mt. Homan, Fukuoka Prefecture

Photo：Autumn foliage illumination at Kamado Shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

Kamado Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Homan. In autumn, when the approximately 300 maple trees change color, you can see a different view of the shrine than in other seasons.

Kamado Shrine is enshrined at the foot of Mt. Homan, which is revered as a mountain where the gods dwell, and we recommend that you visit the shrine not only in autumn but also in other seasons, as it's a place rich in nature. Don't forget to stop by when visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Also, if you're planning to climb Mt. Homan, please make sure you are fully prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, and enjoy the spectacular view from the top. The mountain is also dotted with historical sites, such as the Gohaku Rakan (500 arhats), so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you make you way up and down the mountain.

【TripAdvisor】Kamado Shrine