New Year’s Visit to Ohatsu Tenjin & Kabuki at Minami-za | Experiencing the Real Value of Kyoto

A New Year’s Visit to Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine

For my first shrine visit of 2026, I headed to Ohatsu Tenjin (Tsuyunoten Shrine), just a short walk from Higashi-Umeda Station in Osaka.

The inspiration came from “Kokuho” (National Treasure), a film that became a major talking point in 2025. I finally watched it at the end of the year and was deeply moved. That film gave me my goal for 2026 — “to experience the real value of things.”

One of the stories featured in the film was “Sonezaki Shinju” (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki). I had always wanted to see it performed live, and just as that thought crossed my mind, I discovered it was being staged at Minami-za in Kyoto. I booked tickets immediately!

Fully Prepared for Minami-za! First Kabuki in 10 Years

It had been a full 10 years since my last Kabuki performance — a New Year’s Kabuki in Asakusa, Tokyo. And this would be my first time experiencing Kabuki in the Kansai region.

I made sure to do my homework: I watched an old film version of Sonezaki Shinju to familiarize myself with the story before heading to Minami-za. Preparation complete!

Shijo-Kawaramachi: Where Couples Line Up Side by Side

On the way to Minami-za, walking along Shijo-Kawaramachi, I noticed couples standing side by side at equal intervals along the riverbank. It was a fascinating contrast — heading to watch a tragic love story while modern-day lovers enjoyed the same riverside scenery.

Did you know there is a building called “Kita-za” (North Theater) directly across from Minami-za? This area was once lined with many playhouses, and you can still feel the weight of history as you walk through it.

Arriving at Minami-za! Exploring the Building Before the Performance

Surprising Discovery: Minami-za Has Western Architecture!

I had imagined a traditional Japanese tatami-floored interior, but Minami-za turned out to have surprising Western architectural elements throughout. As a nationally registered tangible cultural property, both the exterior and interior are worth exploring. Simply wandering the building before the show is an experience in itself!

Comfortable Seating for Long Performances

All seats are Western-style chairs with cushions provided. The thoughtful comfort features throughout the theater make it easy to enjoy the performance for hours, regardless of age. Perfect even for first-time Kabuki viewers!

Wait — What About the Train? Of Course We Rode One!

True to form for a railway travel blog, trains were very much part of this journey! On the return trip, we boarded the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Shijo-Kawaramachi Station to Umeda in Osaka.

Gazing at the streets of Kyoto from the window as the train glided toward Osaka, wrapped in the elegant maroon-colored carriages that are the hallmark of Hankyu — it was the perfect way to close out a Kyoto day trip.

Hankyu Kyoto Line connects Osaka-Umeda and Kyoto-Kawaramachi. The express takes approximately 43 minutes, making it an incredibly convenient access route. The signature maroon color of Hankyu trains is iconic.

Summary | Traveling to Experience the Real Value of Things

Spot	Highlights
Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine	A matchmaking shrine connected to the Sonezaki Shinju story
Minami-za	Historic theater with comfortable seating
Shijo-Kawaramachi	Kita-za, the Kamogawa River, historic streetscapes
Hankyu Kyoto Line	Elegant maroon carriages — the perfect finale

Letting a film or a piece of literature inspire your travel destination is one of the great joys of travel. The journey to “experience the real value of things” continues through 2026!