10 Famous Sightseeing Spots in Tennoji 【Must-See Landmarks】Recommendations by Direction for First-Time Visitors
When you think of traveling to Osaka, places like the Osaka Aquarium, Universal Studios Japan, and Dotonbori often come to mind since they frequently appear on TV.
The “Tennoji area,” introduced here, is one of Osaka’s major districts alongside Umeda (Kita) and Namba (Minami).
The Abeno–Tennoji area is home not only to attractions such as Tsutenkaku and Abeno Harukas but also a variety of Osaka’s signature gourmet spots.
This time, we’ll introduce four must-visit sightseeing spots in the Tennoji area.
Be sure to add the Tennoji area to your Osaka travel plans and enjoy!
【By Area】Features of Tennoji Station Surroundings
The area around Tennoji Station has a completely different atmosphere depending on whether you go northeast, northwest, southeast, or southwest.
From quiet corners with historic temples, to lively gourmet streets filled with Osaka energy, to modern shopping complexes, Tennoji offers diverse attractions.
Northeast Area｜Perfect for History Fans with Many Temples and Shrines
On the northeast side of Tennoji Station stands Shitenno-ji, regarded as the oldest state temple in Japan. Its vast grounds include halls, pagodas, and a treasure museum, attracting visitors seeking Goshuin (temple stamps) and history lovers alike.
Nearby is Isshin-ji, a temple cherished by locals for centuries. Especially during Obon and New Year, the temple bustles with worshippers, giving a glimpse of local faith traditions.
Additionally, Yasui Shrine is famous as the site of Sanada Yukimura’s last stand, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts.
If you venture a bit further, you can also enjoy the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and stroll along the atmospheric slopes known as “Tennoji Seven Slopes.”
This area is ideal for experiencing both cultural spots and nostalgic townscapes!
Northwest Area｜Osaka Spirit! Downtown Food Street
The northwest side is the lively tourist zone of “Shinsekai” and “Tsutenkaku.”
Here you can enjoy food like Kushikatsu while immersing yourself in the retro downtown atmosphere. Always bustling with visitors, the area remains lively even at night.
If you want to feel Osaka’s energetic vibe, the northwest area is a must-visit.
Southeast Area｜Shopping & Observation Decks for Dates
On the southeast side stands Abeno Harukas and Abeno Q’s Mall, large commercial complexes that form the shopping hub of Tennoji.
From dining to shopping, everything is here, and the Harukas observation deck offers stunning panoramic views.
This is the best spot if you want to enjoy sightseeing and shopping all in one place.
Southwest Area｜Perfect for Families with Kids
The southwest side includes Ten-shiba (Tennoji Park entrance area) and Tennoji Zoo, popular among families and couples.
You can picnic on the lawns or spend the whole day at the zoo, making it great for relaxed outings.
Here, right in the city center, you can experience nature and interact with animals, making it a great rest spot between sightseeing.
【Famous】10 Sightseeing Spots in Tennoji
The Tennoji area is compact yet filled with attractions.
Since most of the spots are within walking distance from the station, make sure to visit the ones that catch your interest!
OSAKA Monument
Located inside Ten-shiba in Tennoji Park, the OSAKA Monument is a must-see photo spot for preserving your Osaka memories.
The large, colorful OSAKA letters create great photos against a blue sky and grass by day, and a magical atmosphere when lit up at night.
As it lies along major sightseeing routes like Tsutenkaku and the zoo, it’s an easy stop.
Access Information for OSAKA Monument
Opening Hours: 7:00–22:00
Address: 5-55 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0063 (Inside Tennoji Park, Ten-shiba)
Access: Subway Midosuji Line / Tanimachi Line “Tennoji” Station, JR “Tennoji” Station, Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station, Hankai Uemachi Line “Tennoji Ekimae” Station, all within walking distance
Official Website: https://www.tennoji-park.jp/
Harukas 300 (Abeno Harukas)
The observation deck of Japan’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas, Harukas 300, offers a breathtaking view of Osaka.
At 300m above ground, you can see Osaka Bay, Mt. Rokko, and even as far as Nara by day, while the city lights sparkle like jewels at night.
Restaurants and cafes are also available, perfect for a romantic dinner with a view.
Access Information for Harukas 300
Opening Hours: 9:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 545-6016
Access: Directly connected to Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station, and within minutes from JR / Subway “Tennoji” Station
Official Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/
Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Situated in Tennoji Park, this museum is ideal for those who want to spend quiet time appreciating art.
Its historic building houses collections ranging from Buddhist art to Chinese paintings and modern Japanese art.
Special and themed exhibitions are also held regularly, offering something new every visit.
Access Information for Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Address: 1-82 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0063 (Inside Tennoji Park)
Access: JR “Tennoji” Station (Central Exit) / Subway “Tennoji” Station (Exits 15–17) about 6–10 mins walk, Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station about 10 mins walk
Official Website: https://www.osaka-art-museum.jp/
Tennoji Park (Ten-shiba)
A large lawn park only 5 minutes’ walk from major stations, Ten-shiba was once a paid area but became free to enter in 2015.
It includes restaurants, cafes, and futsal courts, making it a favorite for locals as well.
On sunny days, couples and families enjoy picnics, and travelers use it as a resting spot during sightseeing.
Access Information for Tennoji Park
Opening Hours: 7:00–22:00 (Shops vary by store)
Access: Subway Midosuji Line / Tanimachi Line “Tennoji” Station, JR “Tennoji” Station, Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station, Hankai Uemachi Line “Tennoji Ekimae” Station, all within walking distance
Official Website: https://www.tennoji-park.jp/
Tennoji Zoo
Directly accessible from Ten-shiba, Tennoji Zoo has a history of over 110 years, founded in 1915.
It features not only standard zoo animals like giraffes and elephants but also species usually seen in aquariums.
In 2023, “Bird World” and “Penguin & Sea Lion Park” opened, ensuring new discoveries each time you visit.
At only 500 yen for adults, it’s budget-friendly too. To avoid crowds, consider buying tickets in advance.
Access Information for Tennoji Zoo
Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
- Open until 18:00 on weekends/holidays in May & September (Last entry 17:00)
- Closed every Monday (next day if holiday)
Access: Subway Midosuji Line / Tanimachi Line “Tennoji” Station, JR “Tennoji” Station, Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station, Hankai Uemachi Line “Tennoji Ekimae” Station, all within walking distance
Official Website: https://www.tennojizoo.jp/
Tsutenkaku
The symbolic tower of Osaka, Tsutenkaku, remains one of Osaka’s top attractions since its opening over 60 years ago.
It is also designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Beneath the tower is the famous Shinsekai gourmet area, where visitors can eat and explore.
Inside the tower, visitors can enjoy the 94.5m-high “Observation Paradise” and the thrilling 92.5m-high “Edge Walk.”
Access Information for Tsutenkaku
Opening Hours: 10:00–19:30 (Last entry 19:30)
Address: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 556-0002
Access:
- Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line “Ebisucho” Station Exit 3 (3 mins walk)
- Hankai Tramway “Ebisucho” Station (3 mins walk)
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line “Dobutsuen-mae” Station Exit 1 (6 mins walk)
- JR Loop Line “Shin-Imamiya” Station Tsutenkaku Exit (6 mins walk)
- Nankai Main Line “Shin-Imamiya” Station West Exit (10 mins walk)
Official Website: https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/
Shitenno-ji
Founded about 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku in 593, Shitenno-ji is one of Japan’s oldest temples.
It enshrines the Four Heavenly Kings, a vow Prince Shotoku made during battle.
Its treasure house holds over 500 national treasures and important cultural assets.
Visitors can also collect Goshuin temple stamps.
Access Information for Shitenno-ji
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0051
Access: JR “Tennoji” Station about 12 mins walk / Subway “Tennoji” Station about 12 mins walk / Subway Tanimachi Line “Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka” Station 5 mins walk / Kintetsu “Abenobashi” Station 14 mins walk
Official Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
Horikoshi Shrine
Horikoshi Shrine, established under Prince Shotoku’s order, is famed as the shrine that grants “a once-in-a-lifetime wish.”
It is especially visited for love, career, or life milestone prayers.
With easy walking access from Tennoji Station, it’s a recommended spiritual stop.
Access Information for Horikoshi Shrine
Opening Hours: Worship: 6:30–18:00 / Shrine Office: 7:00–18:00
Address: 1-8 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0063
Access: Subway “Tennoji” Station, JR “Tennoji” Station, Kintetsu “Abenobashi” Station about 10–15 mins walk
Official Website: http://www.horikoshijinja.or.jp/
Yasui Shrine (Tenmangu)
Known as the place where warlord Sanada Yukimura fell in battle during the Osaka Summer Campaign, Yasui Shrine is historically significant.
It enshrines blessings for longevity and protection from evil.
Statues and monuments dedicated to Yukimura make it a favorite among history fans.
Access Information for Yasui Shrine
Opening Hours: 7:00–16:00 (Office 9:00–17:00 approx.)
Address: 1-3-24 Aizaki, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0062
Access: Subway “Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka” Station about 6 mins walk / Subway・JR・Kintetsu “Tennoji” Station about 12 mins walk
Official Website: https://osaka-info.jp/spot/yasuijinja/
Aizendo Shoman-in
Aizendo Shoman-in, said to be Japan’s first imperial temple built by Prince Shotoku, enshrines Aizen Myoo, the deity of love, prosperity, and protection.
It is famous for the Aizen Festival (June 30–July 2), one of Osaka’s three major summer festivals.
The calm grounds make it a serene stop for couples and worshippers seeking blessings.
Access Information for Aizendo Shoman-in
Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30
Address: 5-36 Yuhigaoka-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0075
Access: Subway “Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka” Station Exit 5 about 3 mins walk / Subway・JR “Tennoji” Station, Kintetsu “Osaka Abenobashi” Station about 12 mins walk
Official Website: https://aizendo.com/
Things to Note When Sightseeing in Tennoji
Tennoji packs many attractions like the zoo, Tsutenkaku, and Shitenno-ji within walking distance, making it a popular sightseeing hub.
However, there are things you should know in advance:
Limited Parking
Due to many commercial facilities, parking lots fill up quickly on weekends or event days.
Reserve in advance or check partner parking facilities to avoid wasting sightseeing time.
Crowds on Weekends & Holidays
Spots like the zoo, Ten-shiba, and Tsutenkaku can get crowded, with long ticket lines.
Visit on weekdays or arrive early in the morning to avoid congestion.
Beware of Solicitors
In Shinsekai and busy streets, aggressive touts may approach tourists.
Some lead to overpriced services, so politely decline unsolicited invitations.
Recommended Accommodation in Tennoji
When enjoying Tennoji sightseeing, choosing a comfortable and well-located place to stay is key.
Stylish Hidden Stay: CONTEXTED
“CONTEXTED Osaka” is a renovated 100-year-old row house turned into a one-building rental accommodation.
It offers three unique stays—SORA, TEN, GEN—each with its own concept while sharing the idea of “spending special time.”
■ Renovated historical row houses over 100 years old
■ Accommodates 7–8 people per house, up to 23 total
■ Fully equipped with modern facilities (Wi-Fi, projector, washer-dryer, etc.)
■ Convenient Osaka sightseeing location with retro charm
■ Surrounded by 24-hour supermarkets, shopping streets, and public baths
The recommended sightseeing spots above are all within cycling distance from CONTEXTED Osaka.
Bicycles are available for rent—please request at the time of booking.
History of Tennoji
Tennoji is one of Osaka’s oldest districts, with over 200 temples and shrines.
Because Osaka was close to the old capital in Yamato, faith remained strong even after the capital moved to Kyoto, preserving many religious sites.
Narrow alleys leading to temples still retain the atmosphere of past centuries, offering a nostalgic stroll.
With over 70 educational institutions, Tennoji also flourishes as an academic district.
It is a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, like Tokyo’s downtown neighborhoods.
With easy access to Namba and Umeda (about 15 mins by train) and lower hotel prices than central Osaka, it’s also popular with students and international visitors.
For those who value accommodations as part of their travel experience, CONTEXTED Osaka offers cultural and artistic spaces to create lasting memories.
Why not choose CONTEXTED Osaka for your Tennoji trip?
