Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine), Osaka

The Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine) is located in the Kita Ward of the city of Osaka. It became famous because of a Bunraku Puppet play called Sonezaki Shinju.

The Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine) was built over 1,100 years ago. It was dedicated to the deity, Ohatsu-Tenjin who is the protector of the Sonezaki and Shinju areas of the city. In 1703, two young lovers who were not destined to be together committed suicide in the forest of the shrine. Monzaemon Chikamatsu wrote the Bunraku play Sonezaki Shinju based on the incident and the story brought him instant fame. The main character Ohatsu left a moving impression on audiences and the shrine became a symbol of everlasting love.

Visitors walk through the Ohatsu Tenjin Street which is a covered arcade to reach the Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine). The shrine is surrounded by busy shopping streets and some old houses. The shrine has a main hall or Haiden where Shinto rites are performed and a smaller one called the Tamatsuinari Jinja. A memorial tower is located on the site of the suicide that became the subject of the Sonezaki Shinzu. It has become a place where young couples pay homage to the lovers who had a tragic death. A flea market that attracts bargain hunters is held here on the first Friday of every month.