Ohatsu Tenjin, also known as Tsuyu no Tenjinja, is a 1,300-year-old shrine in the heart of Umeda. The sanctuary is the setting for the 18th-century bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) play ‘Sonezaki Shinju’ by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, which features a pair of star-crossed lovers who (spoiler alert) commit double suicide at the shrine. Despite their tragic fate, the shrine is now known for romance and attracts young couples praying for blessings in their relationships. Couples can write their wishes on a heart-shaped ema (wooden plaque) with an illustration of the lovers from the famous play.
Destroyed during the war in 1945 and restored in 1957, the shrine is a calm respite from the urban chaos of Umeda. For a change of pace, Ohatsu Tenji hosts a flea market on the first Friday of every month.