If you go up Shingonzaka, you will find Ikunitama Shrine located to the north of Kamimachi Plateau. The precincts, lined with towering trees, are spacious and comfortable. Ikkunitama Shrine, nicknamed ``Ikutama-san'', was founded when Emperor Jinmu landed in Osaka from Kyushu, and was dedicated to the gods of the land, Ikushima-kami and Tarushima-kami. It is said that it began when the shrine was enshrined. The architectural style that connects the main hall and the hall with a single roof is ``Ikokukon-zukuri'', which is a rare and unique structure in Japan. In the precincts, there is also a monument to Hikohachi Yonezawa, the creator of Kamigata Rakugo, who performed in this area, as well as a bronze statue of Saikaku Ihara.

see spot

This temple is on the left when you go up Genshoji Hill (the slope that runs from the south side of Genshoji Temple in Shimoderamachi 1-chome to Ikutamadera Town). The view of Teramachi from here is wonderful. It was founded in Sanadayama as a Soto sect temple in 1620, and moved to its current location in 1623. During the Edo period, it was a famous cherry blossom viewing spot called ``Ryoenji Higanzakura.'' There is a grave of Confucian father and son Fujisawa Higashigake and Minamigaku who were active in the end of the Edo period by founding a private school, Tomakuen Shoin. In addition, many worshipers visit the Old Willow Kannon, which is associated with Hara Roryu, one of Naniwa's three great doctors along with Mikata Koan and Saito Hosaku, to pray for recovery from illness. Wishing you good health, you can't help but put your hands together...

Ginzan-ji Temple, which faces Ryoen-ji Temple, has spectacular double cherry blossoms in spring. It was first called Daifukuji in 1591 (Tensho 19), and later, Hideyoshi restored it with his own image and named it ``Hojuzan Ginzanji.'' That is why the Gozan Kiri crest can still be seen on the roof tiles of the old gate. There is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, known as the ``ascetic Buddha,'' who attempts to attain enlightenment through rigorous training immediately after becoming a monk. The cemetery also includes the Hiyokuzuka of Ochiyo Hanbei, the main character of Monzaemon Chikamatsu's ``Shinchu Yoi Koshin.''

see spot

Attracted by the distinctive wall facing the main street, you peek inside and find a beautiful garden in the back. Take a deep breath of the green air and take a break for your mind and body. The temple was opened in 1594 by Toshiie Maeda's younger brother, the monk Kaido, and at the end of the Edo period, the three brothers Sanjuro Tani, Mantaro, and Shuhei, as well as Tsutomu Yamazaki, established the Osaka Shinsengumi camp. It is said that the brawl with the Osaka sumo wrestlers and the attack on Ishiguraya Zenzai took place at this base, so it is a must-see for Shinsengumi fans.

see spot

It is said that the name came from the fact that when viewed from the bottom of the slope, the slope looks like a snake. However, contrary to the name, the slope that changes from cobblestone to stone steps is moist and beautiful. Along the way, weeping cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring from the garden of Zenryuji Temple, making it a perfect photo spot for amateur photographers. At the top of the hill, there is a literary monument to Sakunosuke Oda, a writer born in Kamimachi Plateau, with a passage from ``The City of Trees'' engraved on it.

see spot

Oe Shrine, located next to Aizenzaka and up some steep stone steps, is one of the seven shrines (the others are Kaminomiya, Kogi, Doto, Kawabori, Kubo, and Horikoshi) that Prince Shotoku established as the guardian of Shitennoji. The principal image is Bishamonten, which the prince himself made, and the rituals are conducted by monks from Shitennoji Temple. Because it was a famous sunset spot, there is a monument in the precincts that says ``Yuhi Oka,'' and ``Yuhi-an,'' where the poet Fujiwara Ietaka spent his later years, was also located in this area. Hanshin Tigers fans often visit the shrine, which has a rare "Komatora" instead of a guardian dog, and the grounds are full of goods that fans have brought along with their prayers. You can feel the desperation for victory.

Immediately after leaving Oe Shrine, head to Shotoin (Aizendo), which is famous for the Aizen Festival. The principal image, Aizen Myoo, has an angry expression, but at heart he is a kind-hearted god of love, so he is worshiped by comedians and people who wish for marriage as a Buddha who bestows love, respect, and good luck. The Tahoto pagoda that stands behind the main hall was rebuilt by Hideyoshi in 1594, and is the oldest existing wooden structure in Osaka, and has been designated as an important national cultural property. There is a well on the grounds that says ``Drink and Motel,'' so be sure to try drinking.

Kiyomizuzaka is a stone-paved slope that stretches between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Osaka Seiko Academy. Tenjinzaka is a slope between Reijincho and Osaka 1-chome that leads to Yasui Shrine, which is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara. Osaka is said to be the city of water, but in the past, the quality of the water in the town's wells was poor and it was difficult to obtain drinking water. Meanwhile, here in Tennoji, the famous waters of Kamei, Osaka, Tamate, Yasui, Masui, Arisu, and Kinryu spring, and it is called Tennoji's Seven Famous Waters. There is also a monument by the Osaka City Construction Bureau near Tenjinzaka. The area is a quiet residential area, and not only the water but also the air tastes delicious.

Yasui Shrine, built on the side of Tenjinzaka, has a small main shrine made of wood. When Sugawara no Michizane was sent back to Dazaifu in 901, he is said to have stopped here to rest on his way to visit his aunt in Kawachi, and a shrine was subsequently built by the villagers. On the other hand, it is said that Yukimura Sanada, a wealthy general of the Toyotomi side who was injured during the Summer Campaign in Osaka, was killed in a surprise attack by the Tokugawa side in this area, and there is also a monument commemorating the site of Yukimura Sanada's death in battle next to the main shrine.

The temple gate, designed by the current chief priest who is also an architect, is impressive. It was founded in the first year of Bunji (1185). This temple served as Tokugawa Ieyasu's headquarters during the Osaka Winter and Summer Sieges, and within the grounds is the grave of Honda Tadatomo, a Tokugawa daimyo who died during the Osaka Summer Sieges. Amida Buddha and Bone Buddha statues made from ashes are also famous. In addition to praying, various events are held at the attached Isshinji Theater Club, which attracts many visitors. If you cross Tennoji Park from Isshinji Temple, Tennoji Station will be right in front of you.