Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is located in the Tenma area near Osaka Station. It is said that Sugawara Michizane, the Shinto deity of scholarship, visited the shrine to pray for safety during his travels, and that in 949, some years after his death, seven pine trees grew in front of the shrine overnight. Hearing this story, the Emperor ordered that the shrine be dedicated to Michizane. Today, it is one of the most important of hundreds of shrines across the country that are dedicated to Sugawara Michizane.
The shrine holds a number of events throughout the year, but most famous is undoubtedly the Tenjin Matsuri Festival, which is held annually on July 24 and 25 and recognized as one of Japan’s top three festivals. This festival involves a large procession in which the deity of the shrine is carried through the streets of the city in a mikoshi portable shrine, a river procession including fireworks, traditional music, costumed dancers, and more.
Since Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is located in downtown Osaka, the area around it has plenty of shopping and restaurants, so it’s a great place to add to a day of fun in the city.