Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Treasure Hall

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's principal head shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845–903 CE), the scholar-statesman who was deified as the god of learning and is venerated at some 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide. The shrine was established over his burial site, and its treasure hall holds a distinguished collection of cultural assets connected to Michizane's life and legacy.

The key sword artifact is the Important Cultural Property "Kenukigata Tachi (unsigned)" (total length 83.3 cm, blade length 66.4 cm), a Heian-period tachi traditionally described as the personal sword worn by Michizane himself. The kenukigata (tweezers-shaped pommel) form is one of the characteristic tachi styles of the Heian aristocracy and warrior class, and surviving examples are comparatively rare. This sword is designated an Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), not a National Treasure; the National Treasure held by Dazaifu Tenmangu is "Kanen," a Chinese-language historical text, not a sword.

Alongside the tachi, the treasure hall displays calligraphy, paintings, documents, and sacred implements associated with Michizane, providing a comprehensive portrait of this towering figure of Heian culture. The hall is located north of the main shrine building, is closed on Mondays (next weekday if a holiday), and closes at 16:30 (last admission 16:00). Access from Dazaifu Station (Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line) is a 5-min walk along the approach road.