Published date: June 25, 2025
Enjoying Kamigata Rakugo at Tenmangan-shinbō-kyō! A Deep Osaka Experience in Higashi-Tenmang
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
I wanted to hear Kamigata rakugo live, so I traveled solo to Osaka's Tenmangan-shinbō-kyō. I chose to stay in the Higashi-Tenmang area for convenient access after watching the night show.
It's just a few minutes' walk from the station, and it’s also within walking distance to Tenmangan-shinbō-kyō, which is a fantastic location. The hotel itself is new and clean, featuring a design-oriented interior despite being a business hotel.
There’s a female-only floor and elevator, making it a very welcoming environment for a woman traveling alone. The staff was polite, and the check-in process was smooth.
There’s a coffee machine in the lounge, which can be taken back to the room, a nice touch. I noticed a few people using their laptops in the lounge, which is a great option too.
Though the room was a bit compact, it had everything I needed, and the lighting and desk were convenient, making it the perfect space to relax and soak in the afterglow of rakugo. Plus, being on a room-only plan allowed me to enjoy food adventures freely.
One of the best things about this hotel is that it has a large communal bath! While it was slightly small and a bit crowded when I went, being able to soak in a hot bath was so appreciated.
Experiences during the trip
The main purpose of my visit was to watch the Kamigata Young Storytellers Grand Prix at Tenmangan-shinbō-kyō. The atmosphere was amazing, and I found it both funny and touching. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't experienced rakugo before, as it has a different vibe from Tokyo's performance venues.
And the food in Osaka is just delicious!
A bit farther out, I had lunch at the famous takoyaki shop "Umai-ya", which has been loved by locals since 1953. Just when I arrived, they sold out right in front of me, which was a bit disappointing... but they promised that the next batch would be ready in 25 minutes, so I leisurely strolled through the shopping street while waiting.
When I finally got to enjoy the freshly made takoyaki, it was crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and the flavorful batter was simply exquisite. Even without sauce, it was delicious—a genuine takoyaki experience. It was worth the wait!
In the evening, I headed to a casual gyoza specialty restaurant called "Gyoza Shokudo" located right in the shopping street. With its colorful red and yellow interior, it had a welcoming atmosphere that made it easy for a woman dining alone to feel comfortable.
The gyoza were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These small gyozas were so easy to eat that I could have kept going. They paired perfectly with a lemon sour drink, making it a great conclusion to my trip.
The next day, I left early in the morning with no time for breakfast, but it seemed like there were many delicious places nearby!