Japan is a country of contrasts. From the snow and low temperatures in Hokkaido<\/a> to the turquoise waters and tropical beaches in Okinawa<\/a>. From the world\u2019s busiest crosswalk in Tokyo to one of the most famous bamboo forests in Kyoto. Despite all these differences, there is one common element in most cities and towns in Japan: the shotengai<\/em> (\u5546\u5e97\u8857). It\u2019s a Japanese-style shopping street that is usually closed to car traffic and covered with roofs.<\/strong> And in northern Osaka<\/a>, hidden in the heart of the Kita district, you can discover Tenjinbashisuji <\/strong>(\u5929\u795e\u6a4b\u7b4b), the longest shotengai<\/em> in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
A shotengai<\/em><\/strong> is much more than a shopping street. It\u2019s a meeting point<\/strong>, where in addition to providing the daily services and needs of the local people, it\u2019s also the place where community activities are often held, especially m<\/a><\/em>atsuri<\/em> (Japanese festivals)<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The origin of Tenjinbashisuji dates back to the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868), specifically 1653. Due to its proximity to the Osaka Tenmangu Shinto shrine<\/strong> (\u5927\u962a\u5929\u6e80\u5bae), it became the route for the worshippers. For some years, the monopoly of fruit and vegetable sales in Osaka city was practically concentrated in the Tenjinbashisuji area. Gradually, more stores and services flourished to supply the locals and meet their daily needs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[the_ad id=”99954″]\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, also known among locals as Tenma-no-Tenjin-san (\u5929\u6e80\u306e\u5929\u795e\u3055\u3093) is an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of stores and passersby on the busy shopping street<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This shrine is one of the most popular Tenmangu shrines in Japan. Tenmangu shrines are those dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane<\/strong><\/a>, a scholar, poet, and politician who was a very important figure in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). Therefore, Tenjin-san is a popular place for students<\/strong>, who come to this sacred place to honor Sugawara and ask for good academic results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Although Osaka Tenmangu is a very local and not very touristic place, its matsuri<\/em> (festival) called Tenjin Matsuri, is one of the most important in Japan<\/strong>. On July 24 and 25, the adjacent streets are filled with thousands of lights, colors, and music. Thousands of people dressed in traditional costumes dance to the rhythm of taiko<\/em> (Japanese drums) until they reach the Okawa River. There, hundreds of boats with paper lanterns and a fireworks spectacle<\/strong> illuminate the waters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I realized that I had reached the beginning of this kilometric shopping street when I found myself in front of a sign on which, in addition to the place\u2019s name written in kanji (Japanese characters)<\/a>, I could also read \u201cTenjinbashi 1\u201d. The 2.6 km of Tenjinbashisuji is divided by seven perpendicular streets, and each of these sections is numbered from 1 to 7.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the most emblematic stores in the area is Nakamuraya<\/strong> (\u4e2d\u6751\u5c4b) and its star product is the korokke<\/em><\/strong> (\u30b3\u30ed\u30c3\u30b1), the Japanese adaptation of the Western croquettes. Instead of being made with bechamel sauce, they are usually made by mixing cooked chopped meat with mashed potato<\/strong>. It’s the perfect snack to satisfy your hunger while you explore this lively shotengai<\/em>! This store is located very close to the entrance to section number 2 (Tenjinbashi 2).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Osakans go to Tenjinbashisuji to look for sales and bargains as there are stores selling clothing, footwear, and accessories at very competitive prices<\/strong>. You can also find many types of handicrafts like steel products such as knives and katanas or fabrics and traditional Japanese clothing<\/a>. When summer arrives, some of the stores sell very cheap yukatas<\/em><\/strong>, so it\u2019s a great opportunity to get one at a very affordable price. And in case you want to experience this traditional clothing before deciding to buy one, you can rent a yukata or kimono at Tenma Kimono<\/a> and walk around the area <\/strong>and enjoy the experience with traditional Japanese clothing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Although most of the stores are local, you will find some stores that you have probably seen elsewhere in Japan, like Daiso, one of the most famous 100 yen stores in Japan<\/a>. Or the recognizable white, red, and blue lanterns hanging from the facades of the Kushikatsu Dengana restaurant chain. They are currently spread all over Japan, but it is a good place to enjoy one of the typical foods of Osaka: kushikatsu<\/em> (different types of battered vegetables and meat that are skewered on chopsticks<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Along Tenjinbashisuji there are countless restaurants and food shops of all kinds. With such a varied offer, it’s difficult to choose a place to eat. For those undecided, here are two of our local recommendations<\/strong>, especially for lunch:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Harukoma Sushi <\/strong>(\u6625\u99d2\u5bff\u53f8) is a paradise for lovers of this famous Japanese dish<\/strong>. It is quite a popular restaurant, so sometimes there is a long line of people waiting outside. But it is worth it, not only for the sushi but also for the atmosphere, the restaurant’s friendly service, and the affordable price.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you ask a local about a place for sushi in the city, they will probably recommend Harukoma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you prefer to enjoy a typical Osaka food, very close to Tenjinbashisuji (although not inside the shopping street) there is a takoyaki<\/em> (\u305f\u3053\u713c\u304d – dumplings stuffed with pieces of octopus) place, that in recent years, has become better known. It appears in many publications about restaurants and has even appeared in the Michelin Guide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
This takoyaki<\/em> shop, called Takoyaki Tamaya<\/strong> (\u305f\u3053\u713c\u7389\u5c4b), can boast about being ranked number 8 in the list of the best-rated takoyaki<\/em> restaurants in Osaka according to the users of the famous website Tabelog (the most popular restaurant ranking and reviews website in Japan).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are a wide variety of toppings<\/strong>, so if you can’t decide, you can order an assortment of 8 different types of flavors. During my visit, I had classic takoyaki<\/em> sauce, no sauce, curry with cheese, garlic and soy sauce, scallion and ponzu<\/em> (Japanese citrus sauce), mayonnaise, and typical Japanese spices and soy sauce and mayonnaise with rock salt. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Used to eating takoyaki<\/em> with the classic sauce, I really enjoyed tasting and experimenting with all these flavors, each bite was a different experience!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Edo period (1603-1868)<\/strong> began with the rule of the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, a samurai who brought stability to Japan. It was a peaceful era when Japanese culture began to flourish<\/strong> and the main features of the society that still persist today, such as its social behavior, cultural values, and public institutions, were developed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This museum features a full-scale representation<\/strong> of a street in Osaka during the Edo period, where visitors can experience life as if they were geishas and samurai, and explore some of the most representative buildings<\/strong> during that era, such as a town hall, a kimono store, or a sento<\/em> (bathhouse). It\u2019s a unique opportunity to interact with the history of Japan and learn about it in an immersive and entertaining way. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are also several permanent and temporary exhibit halls displaying other items related to the Edo era, Japan’s longest era.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Website<\/td> | Konjyakukan.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr> |
Opening hours<\/td> | From 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm) Closed: Tuesdays \/\/ From December 29 to January 2<\/td><\/tr> |
Entrance fees<\/td> | Adults: 600 yens Under 12 years old: free<\/td><\/tr> |
How to get<\/td> | Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome station (Osaka Metro\/Hankyu)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnjoy Osaka Nightlife Like a Local at Tenma<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn my opinion, Tenma is one of the most charming areas of Osaka<\/strong>. It has long become one of my essential visits every time I\u2019m in the city. It\u2019s very close to Tenjinbashisuji. In fact, if you go down some of the perpendicular alleys, you will appear in the streets of Tenma and also within walking distance from the Nakazakicho neighborhood<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n |