Temple Town in the South of Osaka

I would like to introduce to you the temple town in the south of Osaka. The town is mixed with old-fashioned and modern Osaka.

First, I would like to take you to the Shiten-noji Temple which is known to be built by Prince Shotoku in 593. After the five-story pagoda was burnt down seven times, the temple was rebuilt to faithfully recreate the style of its time. The temple fairs are held on 21st and 22nd of each month with shops selling antiques and used clothes.

Next I'll take you to Aizen-do, Kiyomizu Temple, and Tokoku Temple.

Aizen-do is dedicated to the Aizen-Myoo populary known for the principal Buddhist image of a good match or a good couple. The Tahoto or the two-story pagodda was built by Prince Shotoku in 593 and rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1597. Summer festivals in Osaka are said to begin with the Aizen festival.

Kiyomizu Temple has the "Tamade-no-Taki" with three waterfalls, similar to the "Otowa-no-Taki" waterfalls at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. The temple is also known for its unique natural waterfall in Osaka and is believed to be a power spot.

Tokoku Temple is now a Korean Temple, where a piece of the real Wall of Berlin is exhibited. Do you know why? It's a prayer for the reunification between North and South Korea.

Shin-Sekai is a downtown with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. Tsutenkaku Tower is the symbol tower of this area. In the daytime the tower isn't lit up but in the evening or at night you can see the tower's illuminations. The color of the illumination has a meaning. Can you guess what it is ?

You can also try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Kushikatsu is a typical local deep fried food that goes great with beer. A wide variety of skewered ingredients such as beef, prawns, and vegetables are dipped in batter and deep fried in cooking oil. There's a local rule when eating kushikatsu. No dipping it in the sauce twice !!

The statue of a spirit of good luck, Billiken, will be waiting for you !! By the way the area was modeled after a certain city. Do you know which city it is ?

ABENO HARUKAS was just opened to the public on Mar.7th 2014. It's the tallest building in Japan with a height of 300 meters. You can have pine candy icecreams for a snack. Why don't you go up and see a 360 degree panoramic view of Osaka city from the the observatory deck on the 60th floor ?

Tennoji zoo is situated between ABENO HARUKAS and Shin-Sekai. It is the third oldest zoo in Japan and a polar bear called "Go-Go" attracts visitors. If you visit Osaka with your children, I am sure you can enjoy seeing animals.

Lastly I would like to introduce you Imamiya Ebisu Shrine which enshrines the deity of Ebisu, "the god of flourishing business." Ebisu festivals are held at Ebisu shrines in the Kansai reigion on January 9th, 10th, and 11th every year. Bamboo grass decorated with auspicious ornaments is sold by vendors shouting, "Bring bamboo grass !! bring good business !!"

Why don't you join the tour of "Temple Town in the South of Osaka" ?