Ohatsu Tenjin Dori: A Culinary and Historical Stroll
Experience Osaka's vibrant Ohatsu Tenjin Dori: a blend of culinary delights, entertainment, and historical charm in the heart of Umeda.
Ohatsu Tenjin Dori, located in the bustling Umeda district of Osaka, is a captivating blend of modern commerce and historical significance. This lively shopping street, officially known as Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin Dori Shopping Street, is named after Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine (Tsuyunoten Shrine) and the tragic love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei, Osaka's own Romeo and Juliet. The street stretches approximately 300 meters and is home to over 100 diverse shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Here, you can find everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors, amusement arcades, karaoke boxes and pachinko parlors. The area is particularly popular with local office workers seeking lunch and dinner spots, creating a vibrant atmosphere day and night. The history of Ohatsu Tenjin Dori is intertwined with the Tsuyunoten Shrine, which dates back to around 700 C.E. The shrine gained prominence in 1703 when Chikamatsu Monzaemon wrote "Sonezaki Shinju" (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), a play based on the double suicide of Ohatsu, a courtesan, and Tokubei, a merchant, within the shrine grounds. The play's popularity led to the shrine being known as Ohatsu Tenjin, after the play’s heroine. Today, Ohatsu Tenjin Dori retains a retro Showa-era atmosphere, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into Osaka's past. The street provides a unique experience where you can explore a wide array of dining options, enjoy various forms of entertainment, and pay respects at a shrine steeped in history and romance. It's a place where the past and present coexist, making it a must-visit destination in Osaka.
Local tips
- Visit Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine at the end of the street to learn about the tragic love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei and perhaps purchase a love fortune.
- Explore the diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Osaka cuisine to international flavors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially in the evening.
- Take advantage of the street's proximity to Umeda Station for easy access to other parts of Osaka.
- Look for long-established shops and restaurants that have been around for decades, preserving the flavors of the past.
- Enjoy 'pub crawling' in the narrow streets of Ohatsu Tenjin Urasando, sampling different cuisines and drinks.
A brief summary to Ohatsu tenjin dori
- 2 Chome Sonezaki, Osaka, 2 Chome Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0057, JP
- +816-6311-7622
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
Ohatsu Tenjin Dori is easily accessible via multiple railway stations in the Umeda area. From Osaka-Umeda Station (Hankyu Line or Hanshin Line), it's a short walk. Similarly, it is a short walk from Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line and Higashi-Umeda Station on the Tanimachi Line. From any of these stations, follow signs for Ohatsu Tenjin Dori or Tsuyunoten Shrine. Osaka Metro fares range from ¥190 to ¥390 for adults depending on the distance traveled. An ICOCA card can be used for convenient tap-and-go travel on the Osaka Metro, buses, and railways. Alternatively, the Osaka Amazing Pass offers unlimited rides on Osaka's subways and buses for one or two days, along with discounts at popular attractions.
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Walking
If you are already in the Umeda area, Ohatsu Tenjin Dori is easily reachable on foot. From Umeda Station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Use Google Maps or a similar app to navigate to Ohatsu Tenjin Dori, keeping an eye out for the large billboard with a pop-colored illustration of Ohatsu at the entrance to the shopping street. The street is located near the Umeda OS Building.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Osaka, including the Umeda area. A short taxi ride from Shin-Osaka Station to Ohatsu Tenjin Dori will cost approximately ¥2,000. The base fare for a standard-sized taxi in Osaka is ¥680 for the first 2km, with an additional charge of ¥400 per kilometer thereafter. Be aware that fares increase by 20% for nighttime journeys between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Taxis can be found at taxi ranks outside most train stations and larger shops, or flagged down on the street. It's helpful to have your destination written in Japanese to show the driver.
Attractions Nearby to Ohatsu tenjin dori
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Tsuyuno Tenjinsya (Ohatsu Tenjin)
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Osaka Station 3 Building, 3,b1f
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Entsuin
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Taiyū-ji Temple
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Dojima Park
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Taiyo no Hiroba (Sun Plaza) - Osaka Station City
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Hep Five Ferris wheel
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OWL
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OSAKA STATION CITY square of space-time
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Osaka Station City
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Osaka Tourist Information Center
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Umeda TRAD
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Osaka City Central Public Hall
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Grand Front Osaka
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Sendannokibashi Bridge
