Agui Shrine, located in Tennouji Ward, Osaka, is a historically rich shrine. While its founding year is unknown, it is said that Sukunahikona-no-kami was enshrined there, and from 942 AD (Tenkei 5), Sugawara Michizane was also enshrined. Legend has it that the name "Agui" (安居) comes from Michizane's rest (安井 - pronounced similarly) while waiting for favorable winds during his exile to Dazaifu. Another theory suggests the name comes from the summer retreat (夏安居 - natsuangi) that monks from Tennōji Temple held at the shrine. During the Osaka Summer Siege of 1615 (Keichō 20), Sanada Nobushige died at this very shrine. In the Edo period, it was sometimes called "Daimaru Tenjin" because Shimomura Hikoemon Masaki, the founder of Daimaru Department Store, was a devout believer. It was classified as a village shrine during the Meiji period. The shrine was completely destroyed by the first Great Osaka Air Raid on March 13th and 14th, 1945 (Showa 20), but was rebuilt after the war.
The grounds featured cherry blossoms and bush clover, and with a teahouse offering a great view, it was once a popular spot for visitors. It's depicted in "Settsu Meisho Zue" and "Namba Meisho Zue" as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The shrine also appears in the Kamigata rakugo (a type of Japanese comedic storytelling) story "Tenjin-yama." It is located directly across National Route 25 from Isshin-ji Temple, another location featured in the same story.
With its historical significance as the place where Sanada Nobushige perished, Agui Shrine is a recommended spot for tourists interested in experiencing Osaka's history and culture. Why not visit this place connected to Sanada Nobushige and reflect on his life? The grounds also boast seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and bush clover, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere perfect for those seeking relaxation.
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