Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine

The shrine was founded in the early 16th century, and is dedicated to Emperor Ojin, who is revered as the Sakamoto area’s local deity and guardian deity. The shrine became well-known throughout the country for its association with the Japanese era name "Reiwa".

Nearby are the ruins of the Dazaifu Government Office from the Nara period (710-794), and the area around the shrine is said to have been the residence of Otomo-no-Tabito, a Manyo period poet who was assigned to the Dazaifu Government Office as Governor. Otomo Tabito hosted a "Plum Blossom Party," and in the preface to the "32 Poems," he wrote, "Shoshun Reigetsu (in the new spring, in a fair month,) Kishuku Fuwa (the air was clear and the wind a gentle breeze)," which led to the adoption of the Japanese era name, "Reiwa."

In the shrine's precincts, there is a stone monument of "Reiwa" and a poetry monument of Tabito, and the shrine sells talismans commemorating the era name "Reiwa" and talismans featuring Tabito's "plum blossom party." Long lines formed at the shrine on the day of the era name change and the New Year's holiday the following year to obtain a Goshuin (red stamp), and many visitors still visit the shrine today.

The letters "Reiwa" on the stone monument were carved from Osami Mozumi's calligraphy, which was displayed by the Chief Cabinet Secretary at the time of the announcement of the new name.