Osaka Tenmangu
大阪天満宮
A thousand-year-old shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, god of learning. It is the center of the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three great festivals, and a pilgrimage site for students.
Osaka Tenmangu was founded in 949 and enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, god of learning, affectionately known by Osakans as “Tenma’s Tenjin-san.” The Tenjin Matsuri, held on July 24 and 25 each year, is one of Japan’s three great festivals. On the evening of the 25th, the “funatogyo” boat procession, with over a hundred boats on the Okawa River, and the fireworks are most spectacular. Crowds are huge, so reserve a spot in advance. Otherwise the grounds are free to visit. Plum blossoms bloom in February and March, and during exam season the shrine is hung with prayer plaques (ema). It is about 3 to 5 minutes on foot from Minamimorimachi Station on the subway or JR Osaka Tenmangu Station. Right outside is Tenjinbashisuji, Japan’s longest shopping street, perfect for eating and browsing on the way.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (free admission within mainland China)
Nearby sights
- Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
- Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Passage
- Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
- Osaka Museum of History
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
- Nakanoshima