Tennoji is another fun area to explore that evolves around the big Tennoji Station in southeastern Osaka (大阪). It is located right next to Shinsekai (新世界) which I have talked about in a recent article.
Tennoji is a very typical district with office space and a business vibe but also lots of entertainment value. It houses Japan’s (日本) tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas, at 300 meters of height. As one of Osaka’s major transportation hubs, the district has enjoyed many redevelopment measures in recent years.
The area is not all just modern architecture though. It is home to one of Japan’s oldest temples: Shitennoji Temple. A must-see for every history fan!
Let me give you 5 cool things to do in Tennoji district:
1. Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is the aforementioned tallest skyscraper in all of Japan. The building serves as office space, a big department store and a hotel. At the very top you can find an observation deck that is open from 9:00 to 22:00. Admission Fee is 1,500 Yen (12€/$13.60; exchange rates as of June 2019).
2. Tennoji Station complex
This Station complex combined with Osaka Abenobashi Station just across the street offer a well-balanced experience between entertainment, shopping & dining as well as practicality. Mio Tennoji is a huge department store located inside of Tennoji Station where you can easily spend hours on end. Opening hours are usually 10:00 through 21:00.
3. Shitennoji Temple
As of one the oldest temples in Japan, Shitennoji Temple enjoys a special appreciation. Dating back all the way to the 6th century, it was the first Buddhist temple to be founded by a government figure, Prince Shotoku. The temple is located to the north of Tennoji Station.
The temple’s inner area can be visited from 8:30 – 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March) and costs 300 Yen (2,48€/$2.75). There is also an adjacent garden with the same price and opening hours.
4. Tennoji Park
This park represents the nature in Tennoji. A large zoological garden as well as an interesting art museum make up parts of the park grounds. A small garden called Keitaku Garden is located within the park as well, presenting a scenic pond and beautiful kinds of plants. The admission fee to this garden is only 150 Yen (1,24€/$1.38).
5. Entertainment and Dining
As a mostly modern area, Tennoji has a lot to offer in terms of bars, restaurants, arcades and other sources of entertainment. It is also very close to Shinsekai, another vibrant district where you can try the popular Kushikatsu dish. I find it to be a lot of fun to just stroll around the streets and see what catches your eyes.
How to get to Tennoji District
Tennoji district lies in southeastern Osaka, next to Shinsekai. As already mentioned, it is one of the major transportation hubs, so access is not a problem. Tennoji Station is part of the Osaka Loop Line (similar to Tokyo’s (東京) JR Yamanote Line) and can be reached within 15 minutes and 190 Yen (1,54€/$1.73) from JR Osaka Station.
If you’re currently in the vicinity (i.e. Namba (難波)), then you’ll be there even quicker, just 6 minutes for 160 Yen (1,30€/$1.45). For this route, you’ll have to take the Yamatoji Line from JR Namba Station.
Takeaway
Tennoji is a modern neighborhood and home to Japan’s tallest and most impressive skyscraper. Opportunities to shop, dine and entertain yourself are available to no end. As a major transportation hub, you can easily reach nearby places outside of Osaka, e.g. Kansai International Airport (関西国際空港), Wakayama prefecture (和歌山県) (south of Osaka) and Nara (奈良).
From Abeno Harukas’ Observation deck you’ll get one of the best views of the city. And for all the fans of history and nature: Check out Shitennoji temple and Tennoji Park respectively, you won’t be disappointed!
That’s it for Tennoji in Osaka, I hope you enjoyed it!
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In my next post I am going to take a closer look at Kasuga Taisha (春日大社), Nara’s most important shrine!
See you there!
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