菅原天満宮, Shinto shrine in Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan

Sugawara Tenmangu is a small Shinto shrine in Higashiyodogawa ward of Osaka with traditional Japanese wooden architecture and simple clean lines. The grounds feature stone lanterns along the paths and a quiet garden with old trees, creating a peaceful space for visitors to walk and pray.

The shrine was founded in the early 1600s during the Kan'ei period when a river named Sakakawa was turned into dry land that locals called Shin-ya-mura. The buildings were rebuilt in 1968 following repairs while maintaining their traditional form.

The shrine honors Sugawara no Michizane, an ancient scholar and official whom people believe helps students succeed in their studies. Visitors notice ema plaques with written wishes and small offerings placed at the altar, showing how this place remains woven into people's daily lives and hopes.

The shrine is about 17 minutes walk east from Awaji Station on the Senri line and sits in a quiet neighborhood. Visitors can follow the simple routine of bowing at the main hall, ringing a bell, and making their wishes before the altar.

The camphor tree on the grounds is about 400 years old and was designated an Osaka City preserved tree on 1 October 1968. At the lower left of the stone steps stands the Ushiwatashi stone, erected in the first month of 1744, inscribed with the words "Sugawara no Michizane's associated place, ushi-mawashi". The custom was to walk three times around the stone when acquiring a new cow, so the animal would forget its former keeper and bond with the new owner.