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Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine

TIME : 2016/2/17 14:06:56

Hiding in plain sight amid the skyscrapers of Umeda, this 1300-year-old shrine owes its fame to one of Japan's best known tragic plays (based on true events). Star-crossed lovers Ohatsu, a prostitute, and Tokubei, a merchant's apprentice. Rather than live apart, they committed double suicide here in 1703, to remain together forever in the afterlife. History aside, the shrine looks pretty modern and well-scrubbed, festooned throughout with mementos to the lovers, including ema (votive plaques) inscribed by visitors.

There's a flea market the first Friday of each month.