Are you planning to travel to Osaka? Visit Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street! Known as Tenma by locals, this area makes you enjoy eating, learning about the culture, and experiencing the unique atmosphere of Osaka. You can see many goods like groceries, clothes, shoes, books, medicine and even snacks. There is everything a resident would want. The interesting point of Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is the length of the arcade. It stretches about 2.6 kilometers and is called the longest shopping street in Japan. In this blog, we will guide you to Tenma through facts about this street and what to find there.
Address: Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041
Tenjin Matsuri – Photo Credit: Steven Marcellino
Tenma’s rich history
When established in 1653, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street was a 2.3-kilometer wholesale vegetable market. Initially, it was for merchants, but eventually attracted visitors heading to the nearby Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Not only those who went to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine but also people who visited other Buddhist temples in Osaka used Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street. After the development of commerce, modernization, and postwar reconstruction, Tenma transformed into the shopping haven we know today.
To learn the history of Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, you should also know about Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Founded in the 10th century, this shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. It is known to be dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine has been reconstructed several times due to fires, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1845. On July 24th and 25th, the shrine and Tenma hold the Tenjin Matsuri, which is believed to protect people from disease throughout the year. It is one of Japan’s top three festivals. During this festival, food stalls are set up, and a procession is held led by Mikoshi.
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping – Photo Credit: nekko_nekon
Best time to visit and some tips
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is crowded throughout the day. Most shops do not open early in the morning. However, you can observe shopkeepers who start their day by opening shops in the quiet street. From 10:00, some stores open gradually, such as clothes shops and grocery shops. If you seek food, we recommend you visit the arcade around 11:00 to 11:30. Many restaurants will be available during that period, so you do not have to think of waiting in line. Noon and night are busy times. A lot of visitors come to eat lunch and dinner. Japanese-style pubs, so-called Izakaya, open around 17:00! Evenings offer a different charm compared to other periods, with illuminated storefronts and the smell of street food.
If you want to fully enjoy Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, you should consider the time. Even if you just walk through the arcade, it takes about 40 minutes! It would be good to spend 2 to 3 hours browsing the shops, eating local delicacies and engaging with the people there. Also, walking shoes are recommended, given the length of this street.
Paradise for foodies
One of the best things about Tenma is the street food. In the arcade, you can eat various local foods from Osaka. Here are the examples of dishes you can try.
Kushikatu – Photo Credit: 朱日
Kushikatsu
Popular local food in Osaka. Also known as kushiage, it consists of deep-fried items like meats and vegetables on a stick. Kushikatsu can be eaten with special Kushikatsu sauce, which is made of various ingredients. The interesting point is a unique “no double dipping” rule. In Kushikatsu Shichifukujin, you can try juicy and crispy Kushikatsu at an affordable price.
Address: Kushikatsu Shichifukujin ( Main shop ) 5 Chome-7-29 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan
Opening hours: Mon – Sat (11:30 – 22:00)
Price range: 2,000 yen – 3,000 yen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kushikatsu_shichifukujin
Takoyaki – Photo Credit: Brunno Tozzo
Takoyaki
Surprisingly, it is said to have been invented in Osaka in the 1930s. Since then, takoyaki has been beloved in Osaka not only for its delicious taste but also as a symbol of the city’s identity. Osaka takoyaki balls are crunchy on the outside and melty on the inside! In Takoyaki Umaiya, you can eat authentic and expertly crafted takoyaki.
Address: Takoyaki Umaiya 4-21 Naniwacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0022
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Sat (11:30 – 16:30)
Price range: 1,000 yen – 2,000 yen
Wagashi – Photo Credit: Vicky Ng
Japanese sweets
If you want something sweet, try different desserts in Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street! There are taiyaki, Japanese traditional sweets (wagashi), and dango, which are unique to Japan. Among many shops that serve sweets, we recommend visiting Kunkundo, which has a history of about 160 years. The most popular item on the menu is strawberry Mochi.
Address: Kunkundo, Japanese confectionery shop 3 Chome-2-27 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041
Opening hours: Mon – Tue, Thu – Sat (10:00 – 19:00)
Temma Tenjin Maidoya – Photo Credit: Temma Tenjin Maidoya
Specialty shops
In Tenma, you can learn Japanese and Osaka culture through a lot of specialty shops. From daily necessities to traditional attire, there are many great products perfect for being souvenirs. For example, in second-hand and Kimono shops, you can buy unique and traditional clothes. Additionally, Osaka is known for high-quality kitchen knives, so it’s a good idea to visit the knife shops. When it comes to food, there are dagashi (retro Japanese candy) shops and souvenir shops, which offer nostalgic Japanese sweets and local delicacies. Especially in dagashi shops, you can try plenty of Japanese snacks at a low price.
Landmark of Tenma – Photo Credit: DR_AC
Known as Tenma, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is the longest shopping street in Japan and has a long history. This arcade makes you feel like you’re in authentic Japan, from eating local Osaka foods to shopping in local specialty stores. You can try kushikatsu, takoyaki, and wagashi through food tours. In addition, specialty shops, which offer second-hand clothes, kimonos, and kitchen knives, are best for souvenirs. If you want to enjoy eating before it gets crowded, we recommend visiting Tenma around 11:00 to 11:30. However, each time has a different vibe. Whether you are seeking tasty street food or unique souvenirs, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is a perfect spot to experience Osaka like a local.
Featured Photo Credit: 短毛丸
