Tennoji & around
Tennoji is a 'love it or hate it' kind of place. People either think it's the 'the real Osaka' a lively, traditional neighborhood with tasty food and vibrant culture - or they get turned off by the slightly rundown and gritty atmosphere. Whichever camp you fall into, there's no denying that the area has some pretty singular attractions on offer.Tennoji itself is home to the excellent Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Tennoji Zoo, the Keitaku-en Japanese garden (built by the Sumitomo Corporation) and the Tennoji Botanical Garden. There are three major shopping centers right by Tennoji Station: Mio, a hip, upscale mall, Kintetsu Department Store and Hoop, the area's answer to Umeda's HEP Five.
The nearby Shinseikai entertainment district was established in the early part of the last century, and still teems with scores of atmospheric little eateries. It is overlooked by the Tsutenkaku tower, one of Osaka's most famous and oddly endearing symbols.
Tennoji is also home to Festival Gate, an indoor amusement park/entertainment complex, and Spa World, a wonderfully quirky 'bathing amusement park.' Here, visitors can experience baths and saunas in the style of places as diverse as Finland, Greece, India, Bali, the Middle East and Japan.
A short distance from Tennoji lies one of the oldest temples in Japan, Shitenno-ji, whose lively flea market - held on the 21st day of the month - is well worth a visit.
If you need a place to stay, there is a branch of the popular Miyako Hotel chain a minute's walk from the east exit of Tennoji Station.
Osaka Budget Accommodation
Business Hotel Chuo New Annex Osaka, Japan
Fushio-kaku Osaka, Japan
Hotel Chuo Osaka, Japan
Hotel Mikado Osaka, Japan
Hotel Raizan North Osaka, Japan
Hotel Raizan South Osaka, Japan
Hotel Sunrise Inn Osaka, Japan
Hotel Taiyo Osaka, Japan
Hotel Toyoh Osaka, Japan
Kameya Ryokan Osaka, Japan
Kaneyoshi Ryokan Osaka, Japan
Osaka Downtown Hostel Osaka, Japan
Pension Lee Osaka, Japan
Sumo Backpackers Osaka, Japan
Weekly Mansion Osaka at Otemae Osaka, Japan
Yamatoya Honten Osaka, Japan
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