Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan center after Tokyo. It's a city where people, cultures, and ingredients from all over Japan have long converged, earning it nicknames like "The Nation's Kitchen" and "The City of Kuidaore" (eating until you drop). Many foods originated in Osaka, and it's the home of numerous street foods. A unique food culture has developed here since ancient times.
In Osaka, where food culture has evolved to a high level since long ago, various famous commercial areas related to food have also developed. In Osaka's streets, commercial areas have grown where these converge, and they are called shotengai (shopping arcades).
These shotengai were once commercial areas for locals, but in recent years, with the increase in tourists, they have developed to cater to tourism demands. Among these, the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is famous for being the longest shopping street in Japan.
In this article, we'll introduce the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, known as Japan's longest shopping street.
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street: Osaka's Premier Shopping Street Boasting Japan's Longest Length
Located in Kita Ward, Osaka City, the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is loved not only by Osaka residents but also by tourists as Japan's longest shopping street.
The shopping street extends from Tenjinbashi 1-chome to 7-chome, with a total length of 2.6 km and nearly 600 shops, making it one of Osaka's foremost shopping streets. With many restaurants, clothing stores, and general goods shops, it's highly regarded as the ultimate shopping street for food and shopping enthusiasts.
It's also easily accessible. Just one stop from Osaka Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, you can get off at Temma Station and find yourself right at the shopping street, making it easy to visit while touring Umeda.
Tenjinbashisuji Has Defined Districts from 1-chome to 7-chome
The Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan's longest, has defined districts from 1-chome to 7-chome. With about 600 shops, you can enjoy various stores, particularly restaurants.
The area around Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is known as Teramachi, famous for its concentration of temples. In this temple district with nearly 400 years of history, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, is located next to the Tenjinbashi 2-chome shopping street.
The shopping street is covered with a roof, so you don't need to use an umbrella on rainy days.
6 Shops to Enjoy Food Hopping at Tenjinbashi Shopping Street
Umaiya
Source: HOME's
Umaiya, with 70 years of history, is a representative takoyaki shop in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. Known for its delicious and reasonably priced Osaka-style takoyaki, it's always busy even on weekdays.
The takoyaki, infused with bonito dashi, can be eaten without sauce. Of course, you can add sauce if you like, but try them without any toppings first. Unlike typical Japanese takoyaki, these don't come with bonito flakes or aonori seaweed, keeping them simple.
When I first tried them, I was so captivated by their deliciousness that the plate was empty before I knew it.
You can order takoyaki starting from 8 pieces and enjoy them seated in the shop's back area. Beer is also available, and enjoying takoyaki with beer is sure to make you happy.
At 480 yen for 8 pieces, it's affordable. If you want to casually enjoy takoyaki in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, this is a must-visit shop.
<Store Information>
- Address: 4-21 Hanabata-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:30 - 18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 06-6373-2929
- Official Website: https://kckj800.gorp.jp/
Nakamuraya
Source: Tabelog
Nakamuraya, located in Tenjinbashi 2-chome of the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, is a shop where you can enjoy croquettes and menchi-katsu, long-loved side dishes in Japan, at surprisingly low prices. It's known as one of the most popular shops in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, always with a line of people seeking delicious croquettes and menchi-katsu.
Every time I visit the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, I find myself drawn to join the queue.
The recommended item is the croquette, priced at an astonishing 90 yen each. Despite the low price, the quality is excellent, and once you try it, you'll be hooked.
Another recommended menu item, "menchi-katsu," is a Japanese side dish made by deep-frying minced beef, also reasonably priced at 150 yen each.
While you can buy croquettes and menchi-katsu individually, the croquettes are so delicious that some people buy more than 10 at a time. If you want to taste simple Japanese side dishes, be sure to visit Nakamuraya.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-21 Tenjinbashi 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 06-6351-2949
Takoyaki Tamaya
Source: Official website
Takoyaki Tamaya, located in Tenjinbashi 6-chome of the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, is a representative takoyaki shop known for its ultimate dashi broth. The dashi used in their takoyaki is made from a blend of lobster, chicken bones, pork bones, and 10 types of vegetables and fruits, creating the ultimate broth for their takoyaki.
Tamaya's recommendation is the "Tamaya Zanmai," where you can taste all 8 flavors. It's perfect for those who want to experience various unique takoyaki flavors.
For an additional 200 yen, you can purchase Tamaya's signature dashi broth to dip your takoyaki in. If you want to experience the delicious combination of dashi and takoyaki, be sure to visit Takoyaki Tamaya.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-4 Kokubunji 1-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 06-6358-0866
- Official Website: https://tamaya08.com/
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka Ten-yon Store
Source: Official website
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka, known as a representative takoyaki shop in Osaka, has several branches in Osaka City. It's a popular shop that I always visit when I'm in Osaka.
The batter made with high-quality dashi and flour is exquisite. Mixed with green onions, tempura scraps (deep-fried dough), and salty ginger, it results in a crispy texture.
You can also enjoy it with ponzu sauce, a condiment made from citrus juice and vinegar, or try Akashiyaki, a type of takoyaki dipped in dashi broth.
When visiting Wanaka, be sure to try the Tako-sen along with the takoyaki. Tako-sen, a representative Osaka snack, consists of three takoyaki sandwiched between special crackers made with shrimp.
The shop has an eat-in space, so you can immediately enjoy hot takoyaki. The staff is proficient in foreign languages, so you can order with peace of mind.
<Store Information>
- Address: 7-21 Tenjinbashi 4-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 06-6881-0353
- Official Website: http://takoyaki-wanaka.com/#content03
Naruto Taiyaki Honpo Tenjinbashi Store
If you want to try taiyaki, a unique Japanese sweet shaped like a sea bream made from wheat flour, visit Naruto Taiyaki Honpo. Taiyaki filled with anko (sweet red bean paste) made from azuki beans is perfect as a snack.
The taiyaki has a thin, crispy crust and is filled with anko all the way to the tail, making it easy to eat. It's irresistible for those who love sweet treats.
As the taiyaki is baked in front of the shop, the sweet aroma of anko always wafts in front of the store. Whenever I pass by, I find myself stopping, drawn in by the sweet smell of anko.
Besides taiyaki, you can also enjoy other Japanese-style sweets like matcha monaka (matcha ice cream sandwiched between thin wafers made from mochi rice flour) and ohagi (mochi rice wrapped around sweet bean paste).
<Store Information>
- Address: 8-18 Tenjinbashi 3-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6353-3322
Maeda Tofu Shop
Source: Tabelog
Maeda Tofu Shop, located in Tenjinbashi 3-chome of the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, is a tofu shop where you can enjoy organic tofu made with natural ingredients. Maeda Tofu Shop is committed to additive-free products, using no food additives. Besides tofu, you can also enjoy soy milk and soy milk pudding, which are also recommended.
Tofu is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, used in dishes like miso soup and hot pot. There are two main types of tofu in Japan: firm tofu (momen) which holds its shape well, and silken tofu (kinugoshi) with a smooth taste, used for different purposes in Japanese cooking.
Besides tofu, they also sell aburaage (deep-fried tofu pouches) used in inari sushi, which is also recommended.
If you're visiting Japan and want to taste fresh, delicious tofu, be sure to visit Maeda Tofu Shop.
<Store Information>
- Address: 4-9 Tenjinbashi 3-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 06-6354-2099
- Official Website: https://maedatofu.base.shop/
Not Just Osaka Gourmet! 3 Exquisite Japanese Restaurants to Enjoy at a Leisurely Pace
Harukoma Main Store
Source: Tabelog
If you want to try a variety of sushi at once in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, known as a fierce battleground for sushi restaurants, Harukoma Main Store is recommended. Known for its wide variety of sushi toppings, reasonable prices, and delicious taste, it's always crowded even on weekdays.
Nigiri sushi is served with two pieces per order, and there's a wide range of menu items including hand-rolled sushi and fish dishes. All the sushi toppings are generously sized, fresh, and have a nice texture, allowing you to fully enjoy a variety of sushi to your heart's content.
When I first visited, I found myself ordering more and more, captivated by the deliciousness. There's a line from early opening hours for both lunch and dinner, so it's best to line up early when visiting.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-8 Tenjinbashi-suji 5-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:30
- Closed: Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a holiday, closed the following day)
- Phone: 06-6351-9103
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harukoma_5tenjinbashi/
Sushi-masa Nakaten
Source: Tabelog
Sushi-masa Nakaten, which has been loved for nearly 50 years among the many delicious sushi restaurants in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, is popular for its consistently fresh fish.
The sushi, crafted by skilled artisans, is fresh and satisfying, known for its generous portions like the aforementioned Harukoma.
The prices are also reasonable, with thick, fresh toppings available from 110 yen for two pieces per plate. The lunch menu's "assorted sushi" is especially recommended for those who want to fully enjoy sushi. If you want to savor sushi leisurely in Japan, be sure to visit Sushi-masa Nakaten.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-19 Tenjinbashi 5-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:10 - 23:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 050-5590-1767
Uoi Tengo Store
Source: Official website
If you want to indulge in eel dishes, which are popular as a high-class cuisine rich in vitamins and iron, Uoi Tengo Store is recommended. With a wide range of menu items including grilled eel, hitsumabushi (a Nagoya-originated dish with finely chopped eel), and eel side dishes, it's the perfect place to enjoy eel cuisine.
Famous for its 150-year history, the eel grilled over charcoal has an exceptional soft texture, and the special sauce and rice further enhance the deliciousness of the eel.
The shirayaki (eel grilled without sauce) and traditional Japanese course meals known as kaiseki are also excellent. If you want to enjoy the best eel, be sure to visit Uoi.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5-5 Tenjinbashi 5-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 22:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6882-3547
- Official Website: https://www.sumiyaki-unagi.com/
3 Tourist Spots to Visit When You Come to Tenjinbashi Shopping Street
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Source: Official website
Osaka Tenmangu is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, with over 1,000 years of history since its foundation. Located just off the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, it's believed to bring benefits not only for academic success but also for matchmaking and exorcism.
The shrine grounds are famous for their many power spots, with the most famous being the wishing ball thrown from Hoshiai Bridge over Hoshiai Pond. If you hit the plum-shaped target, it's said your wish will come true. However, it's quite difficult, and I've never managed to hit it. If you succeed, good luck is sure to come your way.
In February, the "Plum Festival" is held, where the shrine grounds are filled with plum blossoms. From late June to July 25, the Tenjin Festival, known as one of Japan's three major festivals along with the Kanda Festival in Tokyo and the Gion Festival in Kyoto, is held. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to check out these two festivals as well.
<Facility Information>
Address: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: Summer 5:30 - 18:30, Winter 6:00 - 18:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 06-6353-0025
Official Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Source: Osaka e-Pass
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a museum that opened in 2001, focusing on the theme of housing and living in Osaka. Inside the museum, you can find a life-sized recreation of an Osaka street from the Edo period, allowing you to learn about the atmosphere of the city at that time while enjoying the experience.
This floor also recreates the flow of time throughout a day. As time passes, you can see the recreation of the evening and night streets, making you feel as if you're really in Edo-period Osaka. There's also a corner where you can experience Edo-period Osaka through video, with subtitles available in English, Korean, and Chinese.
Additionally, you can learn about Osaka's history from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods (from around 1868 to the present), and there's a corner where the first 100 visitors of the day can experience wearing a kimono. It's highly recommended for those who want to learn about Osaka's history and life in old Japan in depth.
<Facility Information>
Address: 6-4-20 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Closed: Tuesdays (Open if Tuesday is a holiday), New Year's holidays
Phone: 06-6242-1170
Official Website: https://www.osaka-angenet.jp/konjyakukan
Tenma Market
Source: Asoview
Tenma-Ichiba is a historic market that has been around since the Edo period, bustling with both locals and tourists as the kitchen of Osaka. As one of Osaka's most representative markets, Tenma-Ichiba exudes a retro atmosphere, featuring a wide variety of fresh and delicious ingredients, including dried goods, fish, and vegetables.
At the center of the market stands a building called "Plala Tenma," completed in 2005 as part of a redevelopment project. From the basement to the second floor, there are numerous shops selling vegetables, fish, and meat, making it a fun place to explore.
Surrounding the market are many restaurants and eateries, including izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), and at night, the many lanterns hanging from the ceiling are lit, keeping the area lively until late.
<Facility Information>
Address: 3-3-1 Ikeda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM (Plala Tenma)
Closed: January 1 to January 4
Phone Number: 06-4800-2876
Official Website: https://www.tenmaichiba.com/