TENNOJI/ ABENO

TENNOJI AND ITS SOUTHERN adjoining area

Abeno form one of Osaka’s most interesting districts with two very distinct characters. Abeno is a shining example of a modern cityscape, especially with Abeno Harukas holding fort as Japan’s tallest skyscraper. Surrounding it are a host of shopping opportunities – Abeno And, Abeno Q’s and Abeno Hoop – as well as parks, gardens, temples and even a zoo.

On the flip side you’ll find a slice of retro Osaka at Shinseikai. This uniquely Osaka area has been around since before the war, but has gone through various stages of neglect and redevelopment. Today, it’s a popular dining and entertainment hotspot, steeped in nostalgia and famed for its many late-night kushiage (deep-fried skewers) restaurants. The 103m-tall Tsutenkaku Tower, reconstructed in the mid ’90s, is Shinseikai’s most distinctive landmark.

Tennoji Station is a major transport hub in the Tennoji/Abeno area; it’s served by seven JR and subway lines. Plus, it only takes around 30 minutes to get to Kansai International Airport.

Tsutenkaku Tower

An Osaka icon and a national tangible cultural property, Tsutenkaku Tower was originally built in 1912 for an amusement facility called Luna Park but later dismantled. The current version was a reconstruction in 1956, designed by Tachu Naito, who also did Tokyo Tower. Today the Eiffel Tower-inspired structure has themed observation decks, an outdoor observation platform as well as a 60m-long slide that takes you from the third-level observatory to the ground in ten seconds. Here you’ll also find Osaka’s unofficial good luck figure Billiken and a souvenir shop.

Top Attractions

Abeno Harukas

The 300m-high skyscraper Abeno Harukas is a popular landmark in Osaka’s Abeno/Tennoji district. The multi-purpose complex is directly connected to several train and metro stations. There are a variety of shops and attractions here, most notably one of Japan’s biggest department stores, a sky-high observation deck, an art museum and a hotel. It’s easy to spend an entire day here.

à 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno (Osaka-Abenobashi, Tennoji stations). abenoharukas-300.jp. Opening hours vary by store.

Kuma No Te

With a name that means ‘bear paw’ in Japanese, Kuma no Te is a holein-the-wall café where the staff hands you your orders through a small opening while disguised as a fluffy bear. This is no gimmick, though; there’s a reason behind this anonymous, faceless and contactless service. Run by Mental Support General School, an academy offering therapy and training to people with mental health challenges, this bear paw café provides a safe place for these individuals to work and gradually reintegrate into society. à 5-3-11 Uehonmachinishi, Chuo (Osaka-Uehommachi Station). 080 9395 4579. kumanote-cafe.com. Tue-Thu & Sun 11am-6.30pm, Fri, Sat & hols 11am-7.30pm, closed Mon.

Spa World

This massive bathhouse is open all day, every day. There are two bath zones and they are switched between genders every month. One is themed after Europe, with seven types of baths including the Ancient Rome room with a recreation of the Trevi fountain and The Blue Grotto Capri room, which has a cave-like ambience with dim blue lights.

The other zone is inspired by Asia. There’s a classic Japanese open-air stream bath as well as a Bali resort-style bath decked with tropical plants. Spa World also has a swimming pool with slides that are perfect for kids, a hotel and multiple stone saunas inspired by the bathing cultures of the world.

à 3-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa (Dobutsuen-mae, ShinImamiya stations). 06 6631 0001. spaworld.co.jp.

Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Shitennoji has been reconstructed several times but it remains faithful to its original 6th-century design. You can enter the outer temple grounds for free, but it’s worth forking out ¥300 to ¥500 to venture inside to see the impressive five-storey pagoda, the Gokuraku-jodo Zen garden and the Treasure Hall, which showcases hundreds of Important Cultural Properties and artefacts.

à 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji (Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station). 06 6771 0066. shitennoji.or.jp. Apr-Sep 8.30am-4.30pm, Oct-Mar 8.30am-4pm daily.

Tennoji Mio

Directly connected to Tennoji Station, this shopping complex houses 350 shops covering fashion, cosmetics, homeware and more. Additionally, there are around 100 restaurants and cafés serving a variety of food from Japanese to burgers, crêpe and curry. The Ekiue Stand is especially popular for its dozen Japanese eateries that offer Osaka specialities such as okonomiyaki and kushikatsu.

à 10-39 Hidenincho, Tennoji (Tennoji Station). 06 6770 1000. tennoji-mio.co.jp. 11am-9pm (opening hours differ for food outlets).

Tennoji Park

This urban oasis just minutes away from Tennoji Station offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Ten-Shiba lawn is surrounded by cafés and shops, making this a perfect picnic spot on sunny days. Kids will enjoy the Tennoji Zoo at the park, which houses around 1,000 animals across 230 species, from birds including flamingos and cranes to majestic beasts like jaguar and puma. à Tennoji Park, 5-55 Chasuyamacho, Tennoji (Tennoji Station). 06 6773 0860. tennoji-park.jp. 7am-10pm daily.

à Tennoji Zoo, 1-108 Chasuyamacho, Tennoji (Dobutsuen-mae, Ebisucho stations). 06 6771 8401. tennojizoo.jp/en. 9.30am-5pm (until 6pm on Sat, Sun & hols in May & Sep), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

Omo7 Osaka By Hoshino Resorts

A fun city hotel run by the renowned Japanese accommodation operator Hoshino Resorts, OMO7 Osaka is designed to inspire you to explore the city, especially the hotel’s immediate neighbourhood, Shinseikai. As such, the hotel offers a host of guided tours and activities, some of which are free. In addition to chic yet practical rooms –some can fit up to six people – OMO7 Osaka’s most appealing feature is its exclusive garden Miya-green, from which guests can enjoy a digital fireworks show on the hotel facade every evening.

à 3-16-30 Ebisu-nishi, Naniwa (Shin-Imamiya, Dobutsuen-mae stations). 050 3134 8096. hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7osaka.