In 901, Michizane was demoted from Minister of the Right to a minor post in Dazaifu through the machinations of Fujiwara no Tokihira. Before leaving Kyoto, he composed his famous plum blossom farewell poem. In exile, he lived at Enoki-dera (Anrakuji) with few attendants, continuing to compose poetry in hardship. He died on February 25, 903, aged 59. Afterward, disasters struck Kyoto including the 930 lightning strike on the Imperial Palace, attributed to his vengeful spirit, leading to his deification as Tenjin. The 'Flying Plum' (tobiume) legend says his beloved plum tree flew from Kyoto to be with him — it still blooms as the sacred tree in the shrine grounds.