This exhibition hall is located right next to the remains of the Dazaifu Government Office.
There were various exhibits and pamphlets available.
Manhole cards were also distributed here.
I think the design of the cards is very Dazaifu-like and well-designed.
📅Early May 2025
I visited to get a manhole card.
There are three types of manhole cards for Dazaifu City.
The second one is a character from the Manyoshu.
In addition to the manholes with designs on them, there are several other manholes in Dazaifu City, so I walked around and took photos.
The staff at this information center kindly told me about the locations and the least crowded routes.
There is also a face-in panel😆
This exhibition hall is located within the former site of the Dazaifu Government Office. The site itself is just an empty lot, so it's best to stop by here. The admission fee is a reasonable 200 yen, and the guide will provide a thorough explanation. Models of buildings from that time and excavated artifacts are on display. It's not very large, but there's plenty of explanation, so you can get a good understanding of Dazaifu.
The Dazaifu Exhibition Hall is a small museum located near the Dazaifu Government Office ruins that showcases the history of ancient Dazaifu, which served as Japan's western capital from the late 7th to late 12th centuries. The hall displays archaeological finds from local excavations, including a restored model of the ancient government office, dioramas of historical scenes, and artifacts from the Nara period such as the "Tamaishijiki no Gio" ruins. Visitors can learn about Dazaifu's role as Japan's gateway to Asia and its connection to the Korean Peninsula, as well as exhibits related to Japan's current Reiwa era, including displays about the famous plum blossom viewing party where the era's name was inspired.
Based on available information, the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall charges an admission fee, though specific pricing details vary by source. The museum operates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. The facility is typically closed on Mondays, except when Monday falls on a national holiday. Visitors should confirm current admission prices and hours before their visit, as these details may change seasonally or due to special exhibitions.
The Dazaifu Exhibition Hall is situated on the site of the ancient Dazaifu Government Office ruins in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. From Fukuoka city center, take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Line to Futsukaichi Station, then transfer to the Dazaifu Line and travel to the final stop at Dazaifu Station. The total journey takes 25-40 minutes and costs approximately 420 yen. Alternatively, direct buses run between Hakata Bus Center in Fukuoka and Dazaifu Station every 15-30 minutes. The exhibition hall is located near other major attractions including the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the Kyushu National Museum.
While the Dazaifu Government Office site is now largely an open park with visible foundation stones, the Exhibition Hall provides essential context that brings these ruins to life. The site itself appears as just a vacant lot, making the museum visit crucial for understanding what you're seeing. The hall's restored models, artifacts, and dioramas help visitors visualize how the ancient government complex looked and functioned during its 500-year history as Kyushu's political center. The exhibition explains Dazaifu's significance as Japan's frontier of diplomacy and defense, and its role as the gateway to the Asian continent, making the ruins much more meaningful to explore afterward.
Yes, the Dazaifu Exhibition Hall works excellently as part of a comprehensive Dazaifu cultural experience. The compact museum can be easily combined with visits to the nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (one of Japan's most important shrines dedicated to learning), the Kyushu National Museum, Kanzeon-ji Temple, and Komyozen-ji Temple. Many visitors use the hall as their first stop to gain historical context before exploring the wider Dazaifu historical area. The reasonable admission price and central location make it an ideal starting point for understanding the ancient capital before visiting the surrounding temples, shrines, and archaeological sites that collectively tell the story of this historically significant region.
