Isshinji temple (Tennoji Ward) is known for its ecumenical repository and bone Buddha statues (Amitabha Tathagata statue) are made from the ashes of the deceased. What is the unknown spot recommended by Elder Takaguchi? He was active as the Chief Priest of Isshinji temple for a long time and is now active in the field outside the temple as its Elder.
Shitennoji temple was the first Buddhist temple to be established in Japan, built over 1,400 years ago. A flea market has been held at this historic temple for over 200 years, and is still held there on the 21st and 22nd of every month. During the Higan-e Ceremony in spring and autumn, the flea market is held all through the week attracting 250,000 visitors in total! It is the biggest market in Osaka with over 300 outlets.
You can see all kinds of shops including antiques, handmade products, miscellaneous daily goods, plants, fortune telling, stalls, etc. It is fun just strolling around looking at them.
Carpentry tools from the good old days such as planes.
Enjoy Osaka specialties such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, etc, at outside stalls.
Popular with young people and overseas visitors. Even expensive ones are available at affordable prices
Chinaware from various places in Japan
Traditional Osaka pickled vegetables with no artificial additives
Popular tsurigane manju, buns with a bean-jam filling modeled after the shape of the bell at Shitennoji temple, hand-made by a skilled baker
Oimatsu-Dori Street
Artistic town with numerous antique art stores and galleries where rising artists present their works.
Artistic town with numerous antique art stores and galleries where rising artists present their works.
Recommended is Keitaku Garden located in part of Shitennoji Park. We do not see very many tourists even though it is famous. Stroll leisurely, and we guarantee you can relieve your travel-weariness in this garden with unbelievably rich nature considering its city-center location.
If you have time, please do drop in at Isshinji temple. Right after you enter, there is the grave of Tadatomo Honda on the left. He was a brave soldier, but an even heavier drinker and met his end with a hangover at the Summer Battle of Osaka. He regretted his failure and legend has it that his last words were “If you worship at my grave, I can make you abstain from drink”. Many people chip small pieces from the gravestone to pray for abstinence from drink. They may secretly put the pieces in their drinks (lol). This does not seem to be good for the health, so please come just for prayer.
If you have time, please do drop in at Isshinji temple. Right after you enter, there is the grave of Tadatomo Honda on the left. He was a brave soldier, but an even heavier drinker and met his end with a hangover at the Summer Battle of Osaka. He regretted his failure and legend has it that his last words were “If you worship at my grave, I can make you abstain from drink”. Many people chip small pieces from the gravestone to pray for abstinence from drink. They may secretly put the pieces in their drinks (lol). This does not seem to be good for the health, so please come just for prayer.
West of Uemachi Plateau, introduced in the Special Feature, remains a quaint antique townscape. However, once you set foot there, it turns out to be a fancy area with a mixture of old and new where miscellaneous goods shops and cafes dot the place. Fully appreciate the Osaka downtown atmosphere here as well as in Nakazakicho, also in Kita.
