Feeling overwhelmed by too much shopping in Tenjinbashisuji? Duck out to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in the Kita district nearby - it’s an oasis of calm in the middle of a frantic, busy city. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the fabulous Tenjin Matsuri festival.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is emblematic of what religious institutions in Japanese cities do so well. Like many other shrines, it’s a beautifully tranquil, contemplative space in the middle of urban busyness, and makes a wonderful respite from all the shopping you’re likely to do in nearby Tenjinbashisuji.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
Founded in the 10th century, Osaka Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. Like other similar shrines across the country, it’s a popular spot for students to pray for good results in their exams or studies. The buildings themselves don’t date back to the 10th century as the shrine was razed by fire several times since its founding; the main hall and gate at present date back to 1845.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
If you happen to be visiting Osaka in July, don’t miss the shrine’s Tenjin Matsuri festival on 24 and 25 July. It ranks alongside Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri and Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri as one of Japan’s great festivals. Locals and visitors alike gather in the tens of thousands just to watch the procession and fireworks display on the two days. It’s one of the most spectacular sights you’ll see in Osaka city.
English name:
Osaka Temmangu Shrine
Japanese name:
大阪天満宮
English address:
2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0041
Japanese address:
〒530-0041 大阪市北区天神橋2-1-8
Opening hours:
9am-5pm
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Train: 4-minute walk from exit 3 of Osakatemmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line.
Subway: 4-minute walk from exit 4-B of Minami-morimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi and Sakaisuji Lines.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-6-6353-0025
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is located in Osaka's Kita and Umeda district. See our complete list of things to do in the Kita and Umeda district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- Get a prepaid Icoca card to make travelling around Osaka easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
