Enoki-sha, Shinto shrine in Japan
Enoki-sha is a small shrine in the Dazaifu Tenmangu precinct, on the site of the southern guest hall of the Dazaifu government office where Sugawara no Michizane is said to have lived from 901 until his death in 903. A small hall stands behind the torii, and a tiny hokora behind the otabisho shelters Jomyo-ni, the nun who is said to have cared for Michizane. Excavations in 2016 found post-hole building remains from the late 9th to early 10th century.
Enoki-sha marks the site where Sugawara no Michizane is said to have lived in exile from 901 until his death in 903, then the south guest hall of the Dazaifu administration. In 1023 Fujiwara no Korenori founded Jōmyō-in to pray for Michizane's spirit; a large enoki tree gave the temple its name Enoki-dera. Excavations in 2016 uncovered post-hole buildings from the late 9th to early 10th century.
Each 22 September the Dazaifu Tenmangu procession carries Sugawara no Michizane's portable shrine here for the night, a festival known as Donkan Matsuri. Behind the otabisho stands a small hokora to Jomyo-ni, the nun said to have cared for him daily; the mikoshi stops there first for an offering. A stupa to his daughter Kobihime stands in the grounds.
Enoki-sha is a five-minute walk from Nishitetsu-Nishifutsukaichi Station, near the level crossing by its torii. The shrine stands just south of the Dazaifu government office ruins, in the Suzaku district. The grounds are small and unstaffed; the annual bustle comes on the night of 22 September, when the Dazaifu Tenmangu procession brings the deity here to spend the night.
Enoki-sha stands in the Suzaku district, directly south of the Dazaifu government office ruins, not west of Suzaku Road. Excavations in 2016 uncovered post-hole building remains from the late 9th to early 10th century, matching the period of Sugawara no Michizane's final years, which has drawn attention to a possible link with his residence.
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