Detailed Explanation of Tenma's History and Overview

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Tenma
2. History of Tenma
3. Recommended Spots in Tenma
   

Introduction

Tenma, located in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, is an area where history and modern attractions blend seamlessly. Tenma is known for its tourist spots such as Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, offering a rich culture and lively atmosphere.

The backstreets of Tenma are particularly famous for their unique bars and eateries, making them popular spots for locals and tourists alike. The "Ura-Tenma" area is perfect for bar hopping, with its narrow alleys filled with small izakayas and bars.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of Tenma, its history, and how to enjoy this vibrant area. Explore the charm of Tenma and use this guide to plan your visit.

1. Overview of Tenma 

Tenma is a historic and lively area located in the Kita Ward of Osaka City. This region is home to notable attractions such as Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, was established in 949. It is an important pilgrimage site, especially for students and scholars, and the Tenjin Festival held every July is one of Japan's three major festivals, attracting numerous tourists.

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street stretches approximately 2.6 kilometers and features around 600 shops, including those selling daily goods, clothing, and food. This shopping street is closely tied to the daily lives of local residents and offers tourists a great place to shop and dine. Additionally, since the entire street is covered, visitors can comfortably explore it regardless of the weather.

Tenma is also an excellent place to enjoy local cuisine. There are many restaurants and izakayas offering traditional Osaka dishes such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. The area comes alive at night with a vibrant food and drink scene, particularly around Tenma Station, where narrow alleys are filled with unique bars and small eateries, perfect for an evening of bar hopping and street food tasting.

2. History of Tenma 

Tenma, located in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, is an area rich in history and culture, deriving its name from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The history of this area has undergone many changes over the centuries. Below is a detailed explanation of Tenma's history through major events.。

■ 949: Establishment of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was established in 949 to enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, known as the deity of learning. Sugawara no Michizane was a scholar, poet, and politician during the Heian period, and his knowledge and achievements were highly respected by later generations. The shrine was built to calm his spirit and worship him as the guardian deity of scholarship. The shrine has been rebuilt several times after being damaged by fires, with the current main hall and main gate reconstructed in 1845. This reconstruction in the late Edo period adopted the beautiful architectural style that has been passed down to the present.

■ 16th Century: Commercial Development
In the 16th century, Osaka began to develop as a commercial hub, and the Tenma area played a significant role in this growth. The establishment of Tenma Market made the area a thriving center for fresh produce, bustling with merchants and activity.

■ Early 20th Century: Modernization and Urban Development

In the early 20th century, Osaka underwent modernization, and urban development took place in the Tenma area as well. During this period, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street was formed, becoming known as the longest shopping street in Japan. The shopping street offers a wide range of products, from daily necessities to food and clothing, and it became a central part of local residents' daily lives.

■ 1945: Post-War Reconstruction

After World War II, the Tenma area also underwent reconstruction from war damage. Particularly around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, community revitalization efforts led to the frequent hosting of festivals and events, solidifying its role as a regional symbol.

■ Present: Development as a Tourist Destination

Today, Tenma attracts many tourists as an area where historical heritage and modern vibrancy coexist. The Tenjin Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every July. Additionally, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street and Tenma Market offer opportunities to enjoy local produce and culture, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of Tenma.

3. Recommended Spots in Tenma 

The Tenma area, located in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, is a captivating region where historical landmarks and modern vibrancy coexist. This area is home to historic shrines, Japan's longest shopping street, and unique bar districts. Below is a detailed introduction to how to enjoy Tenma, highlighting its major attractions.

■ Bar District: Ura-Tenma

Tenma's backstreets are filled with nostalgic charm, featuring a bar district known as Ura-Tenma. At night, the area comes alive with lanterns illuminating the streets, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The area is filled with standing bars and small establishments, allowing visitors to casually hop from one bar to another.

The small size of these bars brings patrons and owners close together, fostering easy conversation. Interacting with locals is one of the joys of visiting Ura-Tenma, and it's not uncommon to strike up a conversation and make new friends. The bar owners and staff are also friendly and often share recommendations for local spots and food.

　・Characteristics of Ura-Tenma

As the name "Ura" (meaning "back") suggests, Ura-Tenma is located in the backstreets behind the main roads of Tenma, retaining a nostalgic charm. The area is home to many standing bars and small establishments with only a counter, making it easy to hop from bar to bar. The izakayas serve a variety of dishes, including yakitori, oden, and horumon (grilled offal), allowing visitors to discover new tastes with each visit.

　・Lantern Street

One of Ura-Tenma's attractions is Lantern Street, which comes to life at night with beautiful lanterns. The street is adorned with red and yellow lanterns, enhancing the nighttime ambiance. Visitors can enjoy taking photos under the lanterns and soaking in the atmosphere. The area is particularly lively at night, with many bars lining the streets, offering a variety of establishments to visit.

■ Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street stretches approximately 2.6 kilometers, making it the longest shopping street in Japan. It features about 600 shops offering a wide range of products, from daily necessities to food and clothing. This shopping street is closely tied to the daily lives of locals and is an excellent place for tourists to enjoy shopping and dining. Notable eateries include the famous sushi restaurant "Harukoma Sushi" and the renowned takoyaki shop "Takoyaki Tamaya," where visitors can enjoy Osaka's culinary delights. The shopping street also hosts various events and sales throughout the year, ensuring a new experience with every visit.

■ Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, established in 949, is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. It is a significant pilgrimage site for students and scholars, and the Tenjin Festival held every July is one of Japan's three major festivals, attracting many tourists. The shrine grounds offer a tranquil setting to learn about its history and culture and to enjoy a peaceful visit.

　・enjin Festival

The Tenjin Festival is one of Japan's three major festivals and draws large crowds of visitors. The festival begins with ceremonies at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine on the 24th, including prayers and lion dances. A purification ritual known as "Hokonagashi" involves sending white wooden spears into the river.

On the 25th, around 3,000 participants take part in the land procession (Rikutogyo) and the river procession (Funatogyo). The land procession, starting at 3:30 PM, features participants in traditional attire parading from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine through the streets. The procession includes tengu (goblin) characters, shrine maidens, and people carrying mikoshi (portable shrines), creating a colorful spectacle.

By evening, the procession reaches the Okawa River, where the river procession begins. Approximately 100 boats, including those carrying mikoshi and taiko drums, move along the river. The festival culminates with around 4,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky, creating a stunning view from the riverside.

During the Tenjin Festival, numerous food stalls line the festival grounds, adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and ikayaki, as well as classic festival treats like cotton candy and chocolate bananas.

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 Conclusion 

Tenma is a fascinating area in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, where history and modern vibrancy blend seamlessly. This area is home to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning, the longest shopping street in Japan, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, and numerous unique bar districts.