“The modern Tenshiba entrance area with its wide lawn and trendy cafes; Tennoji Zoo; and Keitakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese pond garden popular for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.”
Tennoji Park has a long history dating back to the Meiji era, officially opening to the public in 1909. It covers a large area of approximately 28.8 hectares, serving as a vital "green lung" in the heart of Osaka's Tennoji district.
The park offers a variety of attractions:
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The Tenshiba area, the main entrance zone, was recently renovated and features a sprawling lawn, stylish cafes, and shops, making it a popular spot for relaxation and picnics right next to the towering Abeno Harukas building.
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Tennoji Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Japan, housing over 1,000 animals in exhibits designed to mimic their natural habitats.
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Keitakuen Garden is a beautiful, traditional Japanese landscape garden featuring a central pond and teahouses, donated to the city by the Sumitomo family. It is a particularly popular spot for photography during the spring (sakura) and autumn (koyo) seasons.
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The park also contains the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and the historic Chausuyama Tumulus (an ancient burial mound).
How to Get There
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JR / Subway: Approximately a 3-5 minute walk from Tennoji Station (JR Loop Line, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, and Tanimachi Line).
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Kintetsu Railway: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Osaka-Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line).
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The park is conveniently located near the Shinsekai district and the Tsutenkaku Tower, which are easily accessible on foot.
Travel Tips
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The main park area and the Tenshiba zone are generally free to enter and accessible all day.
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Check the closing days for Tennoji Zoo and Keitakuen Garden, which are typically closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday).
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Visiting early in the morning is recommended for a quiet jogging or walking experience.
Admission Fee:
- The main park area (Tenshiba) is Free. However, individual facilities inside the park have separate entrance fees: Tennoji Zoo (Adults: 500 yen) and Keitakuen Garden (Adults: 150 yen).
Opening Time:
- The Tenshiba area is generally open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Zoo and Keitakuen Garden typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.