Japan's Romeo and Juliet: this shrine in Osaka is the epicentre of a romantic tragedy

Japan has its very own Romeo and Juliet story, and a place to commemorate their love, which has today become a pilgrimage site for lovers. The Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine is the remembrance of a tragic love story. A place that is visited by couples on Valentine’s Day, among other days, you could visit this shrine on your next trip to Japan.
The shrine came into prominence in 1703 after a suicide of the tragic lovers, Ohatsu and Tokubei. Ohatsu was a prostitute, while Tokubei was the owner of a soy sauce shop. The story further got popular after a play called Sonezaki Shinju was written by Japanese dramatist Chikamasu Monzaemon.

The shrine today is a small one, unfortunately much of it was destroyed during World War II, but even then it attracts a lot of visitors both locals and tourists.
According to legend, Tokubei lends a large sum of money to his friend, who in turn publicly accuses him of extortion after he asks for it back. Because Tokubei could not prove his innocence, and expected either death or exile as punishment, he and Ohatsu decided to kill themselves in the temple. This way they made sure to stay together for eternity.

You can purchase various different kinds of things here at the shrine, which is especially attractive for couples. There are also wooden boards where you can write your wishes, which is known as ema.They are heart-shaped boards that tell the story of the lovers.

Apart from the shrine, you can also visit the Ohatsutenjin-dori Shopping Arcade, which is a great place for shopping, eating, and even playing. A trip the this shrine is an all encompassing fun, with so much to do and see.