Tsuyu-no-Tenjin-sha Shrine

In short

An ancient shrine with a 1,300-year history since its founding, deeply revered as the chief guardian shrine of Umeda and Sonezaki. The shrine's name is said to derive either from the anecdote of a poem that Sugawara no Michizane composed here on his way to demotion in Tsukushi, or from the "Tsuyu no Ido" (the Well of Dew) that remains within the grounds. The common name "Ohatsu Tenjin" originates from the double suicide of Ohatsu and Tokubei, which occurred in the shrine's "Tenjin no Mori" forest in 1703 (Genroku 16), and The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, which Chikamatsu Monzaemon wrote based on this event, became a great sensation and brought large numbers of worshippers to the shrine.

• ​Lover's Sanctuary​​: As the setting of The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, this location is registered as a "Lover's Sanctuary." Bronze statues of Ohatsu and Tokubei stand on the grounds, and on April 7, a memorial service is held to offer flowers to the statues
• ​Five Deities and the Sacred Bull​​: Five deities are enshrined here, including Sukunahikona-no-Okami, Onamuchi-no-Okami, and Sugawara no Michizane. Many students and test-takers seeking academic improvement also visit the "Nade-shin-gyu-san" (rubbing sacred bull), where people alternately rub the ailing part of their own body and the same part of the bull
• ​Flea Market and Summer Festival​​: The "Ohatsu Tenjin Flea Market" is held on designated days each month. During the summer festival on the third Friday and Saturday of July, ceremonial drums (yakudaiko) and lion dances come out, filling the grounds with lively activity

History and Highlights

​Tsuyu-no-Tenjin-sha Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin)​ is an ancient shrine with a 1,300-year history since its founding, deeply revered as the chief guardian shrine of Umeda and Sonezaki. According to shrine tradition, it is said to have originated in ancient times when the deity "Sumiyoshi-sumuchi-sone-no-kami" was enshrined on this land, which was once an islet floating in Osaka Bay. The place name Sonezaki is also said to derive from the name of this deity.

There are several theories regarding the origin of the shrine's name. It is said that in February of 901 (Shotai 4), while Sugawara no Michizane was on his way to demotion in Tsukushi, he composed a poem here: "My sleeves have rotted away with tears falling like dew, as I recall memories of the capital." The name Tsuyu-no-Tenjin-sha is said to be derived from this historical anecdote. It is also said that the shrine's name originated from "Tsuyu no Ido" (the Well of Dew), where fresh water gushed out during the rainy season, and this well still remains within the grounds today.

The common name "Ohatsu Tenjin" originates from the double suicide of the courtesan Ohatsu and the merchant clerk Tokubei, which occurred in the shrine's "Tenjin no Mori" forest on April 7, 1703 (Genroku 16). Chikamatsu Monzaemon wrote the play The Love Suicides at Sonezaki based on this event, which became a great sensation and brought large numbers of worshippers to the shrine. The current shrine buildings were built in 1957 (Showa 32) after being burned down during the Pacific War.

Points for Appreciation and Experience

• ​Lover's Sanctuary​​: As the setting of The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, this location is registered as a "Lover's Sanctuary." Bronze statues of Ohatsu and Tokubei stand on the grounds, and on April 7, the day the suicides took place, a memorial service is held to offer flowers to the statues.
• ​Five Deities and the Sacred Bull​​: Five deities are enshrined here, including Sukunahikona-no-Okami, Onamuchi-no-Okami, and Sugawara no Michizane. For the "Nade-shin-gyu-san" (rubbing sacred bull), the custom of alternating between rubbing the ailing part of one's own body and the corresponding part of the bull has continued since ancient times, and today many students and test-takers also visit seeking academic improvement.
• ​Flea Market and Summer Festival​​: The "Ohatsu Tenjin Flea Market" is held on designated days each month. During the summer festival on the third Friday and Saturday of July, ceremonial drums (yakudaiko) and lion dances take to the grounds, filling the shrine with lively energy.

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station and the Higashi-Umeda Station on the Subway Tanimachi Line. The shrine is nestled among office buildings at the southern end of the "Ohatsu Tenjin-dori Shopping Street." You can stop by while strolling through Umeda, combining it with the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel located about 550 meters to the north.