Tennoji (天王寺), Osaka
Tennoji is one of Osaka's oldest and most historically significant districts, anchored by Shitennoji Temple—one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan—and functioning today as a major commercial and transport hub at the southern end of the city center in Tennoji Ward.
The name Tennoji (天王寺) means "Heavenly King Temple," derived directly from Shitennoji (四天王寺), the temple founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku that gave the entire district its identity. The temple predates the city of Osaka as it is currently understood by more than a thousand years and is one of the foundational sites of Japanese Buddhism.
The modern district around Tennoji Station has developed into a significant commercial center serving the residential southern half of Osaka, with major department stores; the large redevelopment around Abeno Harukas immediately adjacent, and the excellent Tennoji Zoo and Tennoji Park providing public amenities in the center of the district.
How to Get to Tennoji
Tennoji Station is served by the JR Osaka Loop Line, JR Yamatoji Line, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, and Tanimachi Line. Osaka-Abenobashi Station is the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line terminus adjacent to Tennoji.