Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine(japanese: 大阪天満宮) is a shrine located in Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka City. It is a popular tourist spot that is visited by many worshipers from all over the country, as it enshrines Michizane Sugawara, who is famous as the god of learning. The Tenjin Festival, which is held every year from late June to July 25th, is especially famous and is counted as one of Japan’s three major festivals and Osaka’s three major summer festivals.
- Business hours
- 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year round
- Telephone number
- +081-6-6353-0025
- Official site
- https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/
- Parking
- Free parking is available for visitors.
- How to visit
- 4 minutes walk from JR Tozai Line/Gakkentoshi Line Osaka - Tenmangu Station
- Address
- 2 - 1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530 - 0041
history
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was built in 949 to enshrine Michizane Sugawara, based on the theory that his vengeful spirit brought disaster to the capital. After that, Michizane came to be worshiped as the god of learning, and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine also became widely known as the god of learning.
The precincts are compact
The precincts of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine are not very large. The compact precincts allow you to easily visit the shrine without getting tired of walking.
There is a road that surrounds the main shrine and is accessible.
Omote Daimon
Omote Daimon(japanese: 表大門) is the main entrance of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. It was rebuilt in 1603 by Toyotomi Hideyori and is designated as a national important cultural property.
When you pass through the gate, look up. A compass is installed. The compass has twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, but it is unique in that the rooster has been replaced with a phoenix. This is based on the legend that Sugawara no Michizane hated chickens.
There is an anecdote that when Lord Michizane was demoted to Dazaifu, he was reluctant to say goodbye to his aunt, but the sound of a rooster’s crow urged him to depart. It is said that this is why Michizane came to hate chickens.
On the other hand, the phoenix was considered an auspicious bird and was thought to represent the divine virtues of Lord Michizane. Therefore, it is thought that a phoenix was drawn in place of the rooster on the zodiac compass.
Additionally, the phoenix is known as a noble being, as is said in the legend that “the phoenix does not compete with chickens for food.” This also matches the image of Michizane, who is enshrined as the god of learning.
In this way, the depiction of a phoenix next to the rooster on the zodiac compass at the front gate of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is thought to be based on the anecdote about Michizane and the rooster and the noble image that the phoenix has.
Taishogunsha
Taishogunsha(japanese: 大将軍社) is the origin of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.
At Taishogunsha, seven pine trees suddenly grew thick, and a mysterious phenomenon occurred in which a golden light was emitted from their treetops every night. This mysterious sight was witnessed by many people, and rumors reached the ears of the aristocrats, the imperial family, and even Emperor Murakami. Emperor Murakami was moved by this mysterious light and ordered the establishment of Tenmangu Shrine to enshrine Prince Michizane.
Toryumon
At Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, you can worship by walking through the main shrine, which is normally impossible to enter. This toryumon(japanese: 登龍門) is the starting point for walking through the shrine.
The word “Toryumon” comes from the Chinese folklore word “Carp Tenglongmen”. According to this story, a carp that climbs the rapids of the Yellow River is said to transform into a dragon. This means that through hard work you can overcome obstacles and achieve success.
For this reason, it is said that passing through the toryumon increases one’s motivation to achieve one’s goals, and many people pass through the gate to pray for success.
Please note that walk-through visits are held irregularly. Please check the official Osaka Tenmangu website for the dates.
A historic shrine loved by local people
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine stands quietly in the midst of the lively city of Osaka. As you pass through the gate, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and feel at ease.
The main shrine and worship hall give off a sense of history, creating a solemn atmosphere that purifies the hearts of worshipers. In memory of the divine virtue of the enshrined deity, Sugawara no Michizane, there is no shortage of people joining hands to pray for academic achievement, warding off evil spirits, prosperity in business, and various other wishes.
In the precincts, there are many votive tablets and lanterns dedicated by people who admired Michizane, and you can feel their enthusiasm. There is also a story that when Osaka was bombed during the war, there were people in the area who protected the main shrine by leaving their burning houses intact.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine famous for praying for successful exams, and at the same time is a historic shrine loved by local people.
