Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
About Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Constructed in 949, one of the most important shrines in Japan dedicated to the deity of scholarship and academic pursuits.
Constructed in 949, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, and is one of the most important shrines in Japan dedicated to him.
Known as Tenjisan to locals, the beautiful, peaceful shrine grounds are an oasis of calm in the busy Tenma area. Although it’s only a short walk from Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in a residential neighbourhood, it’s mostly a shrine for locals, and is rarely crowded like shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto can become.
The shrine itself has been destroyed by fire several times across it’s long history, with the current main-hall and gate most recently constructed in 1845. The main building is interesting architecturally, more closely resembling the styling of a Buddhist temple than a Shinto shrine, and is a fine example of the style. The grounds have multiple Torii gates - not unlike those at Fushimi Inari Taisha - which is unusual to see at a local shrine.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is particularly famous for its Tenjin Matsuri festival, held on 24th and 25th of July each year. For the festival, the shrine’s mikoshi is paraded through the city, across land and river, and is considered the world’s greatest boat festival, and one of Japan’s top three festivals (behind Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri.)