Visit Osaka Tenmangu for Exorcism! A Classic Popular Power Spot with Popular Goshuin (Seal Stamps)

Osaka Tenmangu, a shrine located in Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka, is a classic sightseeing spot in Osaka. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and is known as a power spot for the fulfillment of academic achievements. You can also perform exorcisms and Shichi-Go-San visits. It is also the venue for the Tenjin Festival, known as one of Japan's three major festivals and Osaka's three major festivals. This time, we will provide information on Osaka Tenmangu's goshuin, festivals, events, and access.

1. Exorcism at Osaka Tenmangu

To have an exorcism performed at Osaka Tenmangu, first, proceed to the Osaka Tenmangu amulet granting office. The first offering fee is 6,000 yen for individuals (10,000 yen for the first shrine visit). Reception hours are from 9:00 to 16:30, and reservations are not accepted. The required time is usually around 60 minutes from reception. However, if there are regular festivals or events, it may take longer, so plan your sightseeing with plenty of time.

2. Popular Events at Osaka Tenmangu

Here are three famous events and festivals at Osaka Tenmangu:

■ Tenjin Festival

The Tenjin Festival is held at Tenmangu (Tenjinsha) shrines throughout Japan. Various events are held over about a month, from late June to July 25. Along with Kyoto's Gion Festival and Tokyo's Kanda Festival, it is one of the "Three Major Festivals of Japan," and it is also famous as one of the "Three Major Summer Festivals of Osaka" along with Ikutama Shrine's Ikutama Summer Festival and Sumiyoshi Taisha's Sumiyoshi Festival.

On the night of the main festival on the 25th, Funatogyo (boat procession) is held, and many boats go back and forth on the Okawa (former Yodogawa), and dedicated fireworks are set off. Other Shinto rituals performed include Hokonagashi Shinji (halberd floating ritual) and Rikutogyo (land procession).

■ Tenma Tenjin Ebisu Festival

The Tenma Tenjin Ebisu Festival, which attracts about 200,000 people every year, was revived in 2007. It is held every year from January 9th to 11th, and lucky charms such as Shinpai, Fukuzasa, Kiccho with Kumade, and Take Suehiro are granted.

When participating in the Tenma Tenjin Ebisu Festival, be sure to check out the "Shofuku Musume" event, which promotes and publicizes the festival. They wear plum blossom-themed costumes and their parade through the town is adorable. The eligibility for Shofuku Musume is limited to university students. 20 people are selected after document screening and interviews. After that, 4 representatives are selected. As the name suggests, it is a good omen, so the competition is high, but if you are interested, you should apply.

■ Tenma Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival

At the "Tenma Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival," which is held every year from February to March, various events such as souvenir sales related to plum blossoms, open cafes, and antique markets are held on the grounds during the period. You can also taste the famous Umenoki mochi and plum kelp tea. Enjoy plum blossom viewing and enjoy the events!

3. Beautiful Plum Blossom Goshuin

Osaka Tenmangu grants goshuin books. Many people like collecting goshuin, don't they? Osaka Tenmangu also has original goshuin books. There are two types of designs, and plum blossoms are included as patterns in honor of Sugawara no Michizane. You can purchase it at the shrine office. Also, you can get goshuin at the shrine office, so if you are interested, get it!

4. Osaka Tenmangu is also Famous for Shichi-Go-San

You can have a Shichi-Go-San visit at Osaka Tenmangu. The flow of the first offering fee and reception hours is the same as for exorcism. Because the enshrined deity is Sugawara no Michizane, if you have a Shichi-Go-San visit at Osaka Tenmangu, you will be able to receive the blessings of Sugawara no Michizane, who is said to be the god of learning. You can rent costumes at "Photo Studio Ichibankan" nearby.

5. Access to Osaka Tenmangu

The nearest stations to Osaka Tenmangu are "Osaka Tenmangu Station" on the JR Tozai Line/Gakkentoshi Line and "Minami-Morimachi Station" on the subway Sakaisuji Line/Tanimachi Line. Here's how to get there from each direction:

■ Access from Osaka Tenmangu Station

Exit JR Tozai Line/Gakkentoshi Line Exit 3 (Tozai Line Access Building) and turn left onto Tenjinbashi Shopping Street immediately. Walk 50m to the second intersection and turn left. If you are going from Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station. Go to Kitashinchi Station on foot from Osaka Station, take the JR Tozai Line, and get off at Osaka Tenmangu Station. It arrives in one station and takes about 2 minutes.

■ Access from Minami-Morimachi Station

Go up the stairs, exit Exit 4, turn right onto Tenjinbashi Shopping Street immediately, and walk 50m to the second intersection and turn left. If you are going from Umeda Station, go to Higashi-Umeda Station on foot from Umeda Station. Take the subway Tanimachi Line and get off at Minami-Morimachi Station. It arrives in one station and takes about 2 minutes.

■ Access by Car

Osaka Tenmangu also has a free parking lot. During events and festivals, it gets crowded and it is difficult to park, so it is better to use trains as much as possible. Osaka Tenmangu is located in the center of Osaka City, so the good access by public transportation is attractive.

◎ Last: Recommended Lunch Around Osaka Tenmangu

Because Osaka Tenmangu is located near the station, there are many places to have lunch in the surrounding area. There are a wide variety of restaurants, such as "Yakiniku Yonegyu," where you can enjoy hearty yakiniku, "HIRO FUJIMURA," where you can enjoy stylish French cuisine, and the reputed Indian restaurant "Ganesh N." Osaka Tenmangu is a recommended sightseeing spot with exorcisms, Shichi-Go-San visits, goshuin, and good access, so why not stop by when sightseeing in Osaka?