In 2027, the shrine will hold the 1125th Anniversary of Sugawara Michizane Grand Ceremony of Dazaifu Tenmangu. This is an important event that commemorates the death of Sugawara Michizane (845–903), a scholar and government official who is now enshrined as the deity Tenjin. Since the honden (main sanctuary) of the shrine is undergoing its most extensive repairs in 124 years in preparation for this ceremony, visitors have been welcomed at a temporary hall called the kariden since May 2023.
We commissioned Sou Fujimoto Architects, an architectural studio headed by renowned contemporary architect Sou Fujimoto, to design the kariden that would serve as Tenjin’s residence during the roughly three years of repairs.
Dazaifu Tenmangu—an unparalleled sacred place for the Tenjin faith, built atop the burial site of Sugawara Michizane. The fact that Fujimoto grappled with the question of how contemporary architecture can live up to this history and tradition is evident in the kariden, which has an innovative, future-oriented appearance and captivates visitors.
In this exhibition, we trace the path that led to the creation of the temporary hall through drawings, models, and photographs that are being shown publicly for the first time. We hope you enjoy the display alongside a visit to the kariden, crowned with its “floating forest” teeming with diverse plant life that transforms with the changing of the seasons.

Sou Fujimoto Profile
Born in Hokkaido in 1971.Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo University, he established Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2000.
Among his recent renowned projects is the 1st prize for the 2014 International Competition for the Second Folly of Montpellier, France (“L’Arbre Blanc”). Additionally in 2015, 2017 and 2018, he won several international competitions with 1st prize in various European countries. In Japan, he was selected as the Expo site design producer for the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka/Kansai Expo). In 2021, he was selected as the designer Co-Innovation University (Tentative) in Hida Takayama city.
His notable works include; “House of Music” (2021), “MARUHON makiart terrace (Ishinomaki Cultural Center)” (2021), “SHIROIYA HOTEL” (2020), “L’Arbre Blanc” (2019), “Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013” (2013), “House NA” (2011), “Musashino Art University Museum & Library” (2010), “House N” (2008) and many more.

Exhibition Period: August 10 (Sat), 2024 to August 31 (Sun), 2025. Closed on Mondays excluding 8/12, 9/16・23, 10/14, 11/4・25, 1/6・13, 2/24, 4/28, 5/5, 7/21, 8/11・25
Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 4:30PM (Admission until 4:00PM)
Venue: Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum Special Exhibition Room
4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0117
Admission Fee:
General 500 (400) yen,
High School and University Students 200 (100) yen,
Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 (50) yen.
* The price in () indicates a group rate for more than 30 people. individuals presenting a disability certificate, as well as up to one accompanying person, are kindly admitted at half the regular rate.
Organized by Dazaifu Tenmangu with the special support of Sou Fujimoto Architects