Explore Tenma & Tenjinbashisuji: Shopping, Good Fortune, and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Tenma, nestled in the Kita district, derives its name from the iconic Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. This vibrant neighborhood is celebrated for its thriving Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, reputed to be the longest shopping street in Japan. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, indulging in local cuisine, or diving into history, Tenma has something to offer everyone.
Sample day route
Start your day by hopping off at Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station. Your first stop is the fascinating Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where you can step back in time to experience Osaka from the Edo period (1603-1868). After soaking in the history, take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, indulging in retail therapy and local flavors. Finally, end your day with food and drinks in the atmospheric streets of Tenma, filled with local charm.
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Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Immerse yourself in Osaka’s past through life-like reconstructions of houses and shops from the Edo period (1603-1868). Rent a kimono for a unique photo opportunity in these traditional settings as the dynamic ceiling transitions from day to night. The museum often hosts special exhibitions, so be sure to check out what’s happening during your visit. English audio guides are available for an enriching experience.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
・Hours：10:00 ～ 17:00（entry ends 16:30）
・Closed：Tuesdays (except national holidays), December 29 to January 2
・Fees：600 JPY
・Getting there：The museum building is connected to Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome station. From exit 3 take the elevator to the 8th floor for the reception to buy the ticket.
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping street
This 2.6-kilometer shopping paradise features around 800 shops! Stroll through a delightful mix of grocery stores, clothing shops, bookstores, and restaurants — some of which have been serving the community since the Showa era (1926-1989). (with one tea store established in 1868!)
It started flourishing in the Edo period (1603 – 1868) as the town for Osaka Tenmangu shrine, and developed into the commercial town it is today in the Meiji era (1868 – 1912).It’s an ideal place to pick up souvenirs, try local delicacies, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Osaka.
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping street
・Hours：
Shops: varies, typically 10:00 to 20:00
Restaurants: varies, typically 11:00 to 22:00
・Closed：
Varies depending on the shop or restaurant
・Getting there：Get off at any of the below stations:
・Tenjinbashi 6-chome station
・Ogimachi station
・Minamimorimachi station
・Temma station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Founded in 949, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a significant spiritual site dedicated to the deity of scholarship and learning. Destroyed by fire a number of times during its history, its current main hall (honden) and main gate date back to 1845.
Usually an oasis of tranquility in the midst of busy Osaka, the shrine is mostly known for its festival, Tenjin matsuri, one of the 3 biggest matsuri in Japan, together with Kyoto’s Gion matsuri (July) and Tokyo’s Kanda matsuri (May).
Tenjin matsuri, held annually on July 24th and 25th, first started in the 10th century, boasts a history of over 1,000 years. 3,000 people walk the streets dressed in the garb of ancient Japan, and at dusk, when the festival moves to the Ogawa river, more than 100 boats traverse the river, shooting off around 5,000 fireworks.
Being very popular, it can get very crowded, especially for the fireworks display in the evening, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
・Hours：9:00 ～ 17:00
・Closed：No closing days
・Fees：Free
・Getting there：Minamimorimachi station (Exit 4 is the closest) , Osakatemmangu station (JR station, Exit 7 is the closest)
Tenma
Come the evening around dinner time, Tenma’s atmosphere changes as the many restaurants start opening in the narrow streets and alleys around the north exit of Temma station (JR Osaka Loop Line). Diners can choose among many different restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall places to more sophisticated ones, with many cuisines, from typical Japanese to European, American and more. Taking a walk and just getting a little lost in the neighborhood is an interesting experience by itself, and we really suggest it.
Unmissable Culinary ExperiencesBe sure to explore Purara Tenma’s Promart, a unique professional supermarket offering high-quality ingredients, and Tenma Ichiba, a historic food market that dates back to the construction of Osaka Castle, when goods were shipped along the Ogawa river. Both are perfect for picking up local delicacies or simply enjoying the vibrant food culture of the area.
Tenma
・Hours：
Shops: varies
Restaurants: varies
・Closed：
Varies depending on the shop or restaurant
・Getting there：
Temma station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
Tenma offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delight, making it a must-visit area in Osaka. Take your time wandering through the bustling streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply exploring, Tenma is sure to leave a lasting impression on your visit to Osaka!
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