Walk the Seven Slopes of Tennoji
South of Osaka Castle, along Uemachi-suji Street from Naniwanomiya to Tennoji, is an area lined with around 200 temples and shrines. Known as "Temple Ginza," this area is said to have been built by Hideyoshi, who once strengthened his control over the temples and even assigned them the role of a fortress. Many of the temples with their long histories are open to the public without an admission fee. Give thanks to the generous Buddha and let your body and mind soar for a while. As you stroll along Tennoji's Seven Hills, which wind between private homes and temples and shrines, you'll hear the occasional echo of children's voices, the green trees and the scent of incense wafting through the air, and elderly people with their hands together and their young grandchildren... Prayer is a vital part of everyday life. A stroll through this town will soothe your soul.
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START
Tanimachi 9-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
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3 minutes On FootIkutama Shrine
Climbing Shingonzaka, you will arrive at Ikutama Shrine, located north of the Kamimachi Plateau. The grounds, lined with towering trees, are spacious and comfortable. Nicknamed "Ikutama-san," Ikutama Shrine is said to have originated when Emperor Jimmu enshrined the land gods Ikushima-no-kami and Tarushima-no-kami when he arrived in Osaka from Kyushu. The architectural style, "Ikutama-zukuri," in which the main hall and offering hall are connected by a single roof, is a rare and unique style in Japan. Within the grounds, you will also find a monument to Yonezawa Hikohachi, the creator of Kamigata Rakugo, who is said to have performed here, as well as a bronze statue of Ihara Saikaku.
View the spot15-minute walk -
Reienji Temple
This temple is located on the left hand side after climbing up Genshojizaka (the slope that runs from the south side of Genshoji Temple in Shimoteramachi 1-chome to Ikutakujimachi). The view of Teramachi from here is magnificent. Founded on Sanadayama in 1620 (Genwa 9) as a Soto Zen temple, it moved to its current location in 1623. During the Edo period, it was a famous cherry blossom spot known as the "Higan Cherry Blossoms of Reienji." It houses the graves of Fujisawa Tosei and Nangaku, father and son Confucian scholars who founded the private school Hakuen Shoin at the end of the Edo period. Many worshippers visit the Roryu Kannon temple, associated with Hara Roryu, one of Naniwa's three greatest doctors, alongside Ogata Koan and Saito Hosaku, praying for recovery from illness. Praying for good health, you'll find yourself joining your hands in prayer...
A short walk -
Ginzanji Temple
Ginzan-ji Temple, facing Reien-ji Temple, is a magnificent sight in the spring with its double cherry blossoms. Originally called Daifuku-ji Temple in 1591 (Tensho 19), Hideyoshi restored the temple by adding his own portrait and renamed it "Hojuzan Ginzan-ji Temple." It's said that this is why the five-mountain paulownia crest can still be seen on the roof tiles of the old gate. The temple also houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, known as the "Ascetic Buddha," who underwent rigorous training immediately after becoming a monk in an attempt to attain enlightenment. The cemetery also contains the tombs of O-Chiyo and Hanbei, the protagonists of Chikamatsu Monzaemon's "Shinju Yoi Koshin."
View the spot5minutes on foot -
Manpukuji Temple
Attracted by the distinctive wall facing the main street, you'll peek inside to find a beautiful garden at the back. Take a deep breath of the green air and relax your mind and body for a moment. Founded in 1594 by the monk Kaido, the younger brother of Maeda Toshiie, the temple was home to the Osaka Shinsengumi barracks at the end of the Edo period, run by the three brothers Tani Sanjuro, Mantaro, and Shuhei, as well as Yamazaki Jyo. It's said that brawls with Osaka sumo wrestlers and the Ishikuraya Zenzai attack were all based here, making it a must-see for Shinsengumi fans.
View the spot10 minutes on foot -
Kuchinawazaka
It is said that the slope got its name from the fact that when viewed from the bottom, the slope looks like a snake (kuchinawa). However, contrary to the name, the slope, which changes from cobblestones to stone steps, is gentle and beautiful. Along the way, in spring, the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom in the garden of Zenryuji Temple are a popular photo spot for amateur photographers. At the top of the slope is a literary monument to Oda Sakunosuke, a writer born in the Kamimachi Plateau, with a passage from "The City of Trees" engraved on it.
View the spot15-minute walk -
Oe Shrine
Located next to Aizenzaka, at the top of some steep stone steps, Oe Shrine is one of the Seven Shrines established by Prince Shotoku as the guardian deity of Shitennoji Temple (the others are Kaminomiya, Kogi, Tsuchito, Kawabori, Kubo, and Horikoshi). The principal image is Bishamonten, a statue made by Prince Shotoku himself, and the monks of Shitennoji preside over the ceremonies. As the shrine was famous for its sunsets, there is a monument called "Yuhioka" within the grounds, and it is said that the "Yuhi-an" where the poet Fujiwara Ietaka spent his final years was also located in the area. The shrine, which is home to the unusual "Komatora" (a pair of guardian dogs) instead of lion dogs, is also visited by many Hanshin Tigers fans, and the grounds are filled with merchandise that fans have left behind when they pray. The shrine conveys their valiant desire for victory.
A short walk -
Shoman-in Temple/Aizendo Temple
Immediately after leaving Oe Shrine, head to Shoman-in Temple (Aizen Hall), famous for the Aizen Festival. The principal image of Aizen Myoo has an angry expression, but at heart he is a kind-hearted god of love, and is worshipped by entertainers and those praying for love as a Buddha who bestows charm and good fortune. The pagoda behind the main hall was rebuilt by Hideyoshi in 1594 and is the oldest surviving wooden building in Osaka City, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. There is a well on the grounds with the words "Drink and you'll become popular" written on it, so be sure to try a drink.
15-minute walk -
Kiyomizuzaka and Tenjinzaka
Kiyomizuzaka is a cobblestone slope stretching between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Osaka Seikou Gakuin. Tenjinzaka is a slope between Reinincho and Osaka 1-chome that leads to Yasui Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Osaka is known as a city of water, but in the past, the quality of the town's well water was poor, making it difficult to secure drinking water. Meanwhile, Tennoji is home to the famous springs of Kamei, Osaka, Tamate, Yasui, Masui, Arisu, and Kinryu, which are known as the Seven Famous Springs of Tennoji. There is also a monument by the Osaka City Construction Bureau near Tenjinzaka. The area is a quiet residential area, and not only the water but even the air feels delicious.
3 minutes On Foot -
YASUI JINJA SHRINE
Yasui Shrine, located next to Tenjinzaka, has a small wooden main hall. In 901, when Sugawara no Michizane was returned to Dazaifu, he is said to have stopped here to rest on his way to visit his aunt in Kawachi, and the shrine was later built by villagers. Meanwhile, it is said that Sanada Yukimura, a wise general on the Toyotomi side who was injured in the Summer Siege of Osaka, was attacked by the Tokugawa side here and killed in battle, and a monument commemorating his death stands next to the main hall.
5minutes on foot -
Isshinji Temple
The impressive mountain gate was designed by the current chief priest, who is also an architect. Founded in 1185, this temple served as the headquarters for Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Winter and Summer Sieges of Osaka, and within its grounds is the grave of Honda Tadatomo, a feudal lord on the Tokugawa side who was killed in battle during the Summer Siege of Osaka. The Amida Buddha and bone Buddha statues made from his remains are also famous. In addition to prayer, the adjacent Isshinji Theater Club hosts a variety of events, attracting many visitors. If you cross Tennoji Park from Isshinji, Tennoji Station will be right in front of you.
- GOAL!
Additional Information
- Tasting spot
- We recommend Takaoka, a Japanese restaurant serving seasonal vegetables and fish.
- souvenir
- The specialty is the "Tsurigane Manju," which is modeled after the temple bell of Shitennoji, and Naniwazuke pickles from Shitennoji Nishimura, including Tennoji turnip, Kema cucumber, and Senshu water eggplant.
- remarks
- The Aizen Festival, which kicks off Osaka's summer festivals, is held over three days: June 30th (evening festival), July 1st (main festival), and July 2nd (remaining blessings). On July 1st, there is also a spectacular Takaego procession. Ikutama Shrine holds the Ikutama Summer Festival every July and the Osaka Takigi Noh performance in August.









