Situated in the Fukuoka Prefecture, on the outskirts of the large city of Fukuoka, the ancient city of Dazaifu has served as the administrative centre of the island of Kyushu for centuries. Dazaifu forms part of the Dazaifu Prefectural Natural Park. This tranquil city features sacred temples and shrines, museums, and centuries-old ruins. Visitors to the city can look forward to a number of interesting attractions including: the Komyozenji Temple, boasting a beautiful Zen garden; the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the Heian Period scholar and politician; the National Museum, a large museum exhibiting local history. Don’t miss the Government Ruins displaying the 7th-century former government offices.