Tennoji Guide: Best Things to Do, Shopping, Street Food (Osaka Travel)

Osaka's Tennoji area has a bustling atmosphere similar to Umeda and Shinsaibashi, while also possessing a nostalgic feel and lush greenery.

This is where the Tsutenkaku Tower, Shitennoji Temple, and the 300-meter Abeno Harukas are located. An area with excellent access, Tennoji is definitely worth exploring!

Tennoji Area Guide

How to Get to Tennoji
Places to Visit in Tennoji
1. Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai
2. Tennoji Park
3. Abeno Harukas Observatory
4. Shitennoji Temple
5. Hankai Tramway
Shopping in Tennoji
Street Food to Enjoy in Tennoji
Hotels in Tennoji

How to Get to Tennoji

Photo by Pixta

Tennoji Station is well-connected, located on the Osaka Loop Line, with subway and Kintetsu Line services, with direct transfers to JR for Nara, and convenient access to Universal Studios Osaka and Kansai Airport, serving as a major transportation hub in the south part of Osaka.

It's very easy to get to Tennoji - you can reach it directly by taking the Midosuji Line from Umeda or Namba without changing trains.

Be sure to check the location of Tennoji Station carefully, as it is split between Tennoji and Abeno areas due to different railway companies (JR, Osaka Subway), making it a bustling area known as Tennoji-Abeno District with historical sights, shopping malls, and extensive green parks. It is a great place to base yourself for exploring Osaka.

Places to Visit in Tennoji

The area between Tennoji Station and Shin-Imamiya Station is the highlight of the Tennoji-Abeno District, where many attractions can be reached within about a 10-minute walk.

1. Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai

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Shinsekai represents the spirited and everyday life of Osaka, with its flashy large neon signs and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

You can also go to the top of Tsutenkaku to enjoy views of the Tennoji and Abeno areas. At night, you can enjoy a drink at the many restaurants in the area, surrounded by the bright lights.

2. Tennoji Park

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The vast green space between Tennoji Station and Shin-Imamiya Station is Tennoji Park. The park includes attractions such as the Tennoji Zoo, Tenshiba Square, Chaussée Mountain, and the Osaka City Art Museum.

Tennoji Zoo is a treasured childhood memory for many Osakans and a great place for a family outing. At the large bird sanctuary, you can see the birds nesting and flying from the sidewalk outside the park, creating a unique experience at the Tennoji Zoo.

Tenshiba Square (Tenshiba) is a square in Tennoji Park, less than a 3-minute walk from Tennoji Station. The vast greenery contrasts with the towering buildings around, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

It houses various cafes and restaurants, making it a great choice for a stroll, picnic, or a leisurely stroll.

Chaussée Mountain is more like a hill despite its name, renowned due to its importance as a military site at the end of the war-torn 16th century. Now it's a peaceful green area emitting refreshing scents.

This building located between Tenshiba Square and Chaussée Mountain was once the residence of the prominent Sumitomo family and later transformed into the Osaka City Art Museum. The traditional Japanese garden, Keitakuen, has also been preserved, exuding traditional Japanese charm.

3. Abeno Harukas Observatory

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At 300 meters, Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Japan that is not a tower. The 58th to 60th floors feature the famous Harukas 300 Observatory, which besides the spectacular views and 360-degree breathtaking night scenery, always attracts many couples to spend romantic moments there.

4. Shitennoji Temple

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The name of the Tennoji area is derived from Shitennoji Temple. This is Japan's first official temple, built at the beginning of the 7th century AD. The sprawling grounds with its vermilion buildings and five-story pagoda are the center of local religious activities.

The monthly Antique Market held on the 21st and 22nd of every month at Shitennoji is one of the three largest flea markets in the Kansai region. Additionally, there is also the Watsuka Market held on the first Sunday of every month, offering handmade goods and a second-hand book market, making it a great spot for treasure hunting.

5. Hankai Tramway

Officially known as the Hankai Electric Tramway but commonly referred to as Hankai Tram, this is Osaka's only hundred-year-old streetcar.

Connecting various attractions between Osaka and Sakai cities via the Hankai Line and the Uemachi Line, it passes by numerous sights like Kifune Shrine, Abeno Prince Shrine, and Sumiyoshi Taisha. Tennoji is one of the starting points for the Uemachi Line.

Shopping in Tennoji

Shopping in Tennoji and Abeno areas is extremely convenient, as major department stores are clustered together with connected walkways, making it easy to navigate even on rainy days.

Tennoji MIO

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Featuring two main buildings, the Main Building and the Plaza, with a focus on women’s fashion, you can find everything from bags, clothing, accessories, to miscellaneous items. Adjacent to JR Tennoji Station, you can start shopping immediately upon exiting the station.

Abeno HARUKAS - Kintetsu Department Store

The remarkable and eye-catching Abeno HARUKAS - Kintetsu Department Store is the third tallest building in Japan. It is divided into two wings, the Abeno Harukas Wing and the Tower Wing, with shopping floors from B2 to the 14th floor, ensuring visitors can enjoy shopping.

Abeno Q's Mall

Compared to the previous two, Abeno Q's Mall is only five floors but houses many young and trendy brands, as well as baby products and home appliances.

Popular Street Food in Tennoji

Osaka's local food is irresistible, especially its street snacks. Once you're here, don't eat at the department store food streets; instead, indulge in the delightful street food flavors for a true Osaka experience!

Kushikatsu Daruma

Kushikatsu Daruma is where the skewered and deep-fried kushikatsu dishes originated. Drop by this shop to enjoy an authentic and delicious taste unique to Osaka!

Sennariya Coffee

The Mixed Fruit Juice offered at Sennariya Coffee is a must-try drink in Osaka. The birth of this mixed fruit juice dates back to the fruit stalls in Shinsekai's past, where it gained popularity as a way to utilize leftover fruit and prevent waste. It has since become one of the iconic foods of Shinsekai.

Hotels in Tennoji

There are several chain business hotels around Tennoji Station. For a more budget-friendly and unique experience, head towards the Tsutenkaku Tower area as there are plenty of youth hostels and capsule hotels suitable for backpackers.

Spa World

Picture courtesy of Spa World
This place is unique as it has a large hotel attached and allows late-night access with a 24-hour free resting area where you can stay overnight.

Whether you want a luxurious or economical stay, the most important thing is that this place offers natural hot springs 365 days a year. It is a rare hot spring paradise in Osaka city!

Abeno Tennoji Via Inn

Abeno Tennoji Via Inn is part of a chain business hotel with a stylish design that has many fans. The main feature of the Tennoji branch is that directly below is a Don Quijote store, allowing you to enter the hotel with your shopping bags without any hassle.

Enjoy Exploring Tennoji!

After learning about the numerous attractions in the Tennoji area, are you intrigued? For first-time visitors to Osaka, exploring this area is a must.

If you have visited Osaka before, you likely already appreciate its wonders. Whether passing through or staying, the Tennoji area stands out as a rare oasis in downtown Osaka. Make sure to include it on your list of must-visit destinations in Osaka!

Main image courtesy of Pixta