Just one station away from Osaka Station lies the historic Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, nestled in the heart of the bustling Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street. This vibrant area offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Let me introduce you to the charm and allure of Osaka Tenmangu and its surrounding district.
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About Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
“Osaka Tenmangu” is one of Japan’s three major Tenmangu Shrines, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a deity of scholarship. Because he is known as the god of learning, many people visit to pray for academic success and passing exams. During the exam season, the shrine is bustling with students seeking blessings.
These wooden plates seen at Japanese shrines and temples are called Ema. Ema are wooden plates used in Japanese shrines and temples to write wishes, and dedicate them. The name ‘Ema’ comes from the old custom of offering horses, which had drawings on them, to the gods. In the past, live horses were actually offered, but over time, they were replaced by wooden plates with drawings. This Tenmangu Shrine is famous for the deity of scholarship, so many ema here are dedicated to wishes for success in entrance exams and national exams.
Within the precincts of Osaka Tenmangu, you’ll find buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, exuding a sense of history and tradition. The grounds are adorned with plum trees loved by Sugawara no Michizane, and the beautiful flowers like cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums bloom in each season. Especially during the plum blossom season in spring, many worshippers come to enjoy the scenery.
The shrine also features statues of “Nadeushi” (stroking cows) believed to bring good fortune when touched. These statues are popular among visitors for their supposed benefits.
Tenjin Matsuri
The “Tenjin Matsuri,” held annually on July 24th and 25th, is one of Japan’s three major festivals, with a history spanning around 1,000 years. During the festival, about 3,000 people dressed in ancient costumes parade through the streets, and over 100 boats sail along the river at dusk. The climax of the festival features approximately 5,000 fireworks along the river, making it a vibrant event. The Tenjin Matsuri is a highlight of Osaka’s summer, drawing numerous tourists each year.
Tenjinbshi-suji Shopping Street
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is the longest shopping street in Japan, stretching approximately 2.6 km from north to south! It starts from Tenjinbashi 1-chome and extends to 7-chome. While enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of traditional Japan, you can indulge in local delicacies and souvenirs. As you stroll along, you’ll be captivated by the unique charm of this town, where old-fashioned scenery and modern attractions blend seamlessly. So, put on your comfortable shoes and start your delightful journey through Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street!
Take a stroll through the shopping street!
Around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Starting from 1-chome, which is near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, many people stop by after their visit to the shrine. Here, you’ll find a soba noodle shop. My family and I come here to eat toshikoshi soba after our New Year’s Eve visit to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The hot soba we eat in the cold winter warms us up from the inside.
Next, there is a shop selling everyday goods. This small, local shop offers items that are not often seen in recent years. You might find unique Japanese souvenirs that you won’t find in typical tourist spots.
There is also an onigiri shop here. They offer handmade rice balls made with carefully selected rice. They are perfect for a quick snack while walking.
Speaking of walking and eating in this shopping street, Nakamuraya’s croquettes are an absolute must-try. These croquettes can be both a snack and a side dish, loved by both children and adults. Surprisingly, they are only 70 yen each. They are crispy and golden on the outside, with fluffy and sweet potatoes inside, which is a distinctive feature of Nakamuraya’s croquettes.
Next, we enter the 2-chome section of the shopping street. Here, you’ll find an old-fashioned bakery and a specialty knife shop, both with a long history and a unique charm. While the entrance was in 2-chome, the exit led us to 3-chome.
Entering 4-chome, the area gets busier as it connects to JR Tenma Station.
This Takoyaki shop, Wanaka, has even opened stores overseas. Since Ogimachi Park is located behind it, you might enjoy eating Takoyaki in the park.
The flashy sign belongs to Super Tamade, known for being a discount supermarket originating in Osaka. Its extremely flashy exterior makes it stand out no matter where it is.
Around JR Tenma Station
This is JR Tenma Station. The area behind it is known as Ura-Tenma, and when people in Osaka say ‘Let’s go for a drink!’, many head to Ura-Tenma. Small restaurants line the streets, and people enjoy hopping from one bar to another.
There’s a market called Tenma Market, surrounded by a lively district full of bars and eateries. This market, popular among locals, offers fresh fruits and vegetables as well as rare fish and other ingredients.
Let’s return to the shopping street. Here we have the popular tempura restaurant, Tempura Makino.
Despite offering tempura of a quality that rivals high-end tempura specialty restaurants, its reasonable prices have garnered much attention, leading to constant long lines. They serve freshly fried tempura directly onto your plate right before your eyes. You can always enjoy piping hot tempura. Another highlight is the counter seats arranged around the kitchen, where you can watch the tempura being fried.
I discovered my favorite bakery, LE CROISSANT. You will find LE CROISSANT only in Osaka and Hyogo!
My top recommendation is their curry bread. There are two types: one with a boiled egg and one with beef, but my favorite is the beef one. The outside is crispy, while the bread itself is chewy. The curry has a medium-spicy flavor with large chunks of beef, making it a hearty treat. Since this is a croissant bakery, their croissants are also, of course, delicious.
Now, let’s head to 6-chome!
How about some traditional Japanese sweets, like Warabi Mochi or Dango, for dessert? Warabi Mochi is a soft, jelly-like confection made from bracken starch and covered in sweet roasted soybean flour. Dango are chewy rice dumplings often served on a skewer, sometimes topped with sweet soy sauce or wrapped in a leaf. They make for a delightful way to end your meal with a touch of Japanese tradition.
You can also find a lottery ticket booth here. Whether you’re hoping to strike it rich or simply enjoy the thrill of a potential win, the local lottery booth offers a fun chance to test your luck while exploring the shopping street.
People say this shop has a high chance of winning, but you’ll have to test your luck to find out the truth!
The goal is in sight!
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street are special places where history and modernity blend seamlessly. On your next trip, be sure to visit this area and see its charm for yourself. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.
