The city of Osaka in the medieval period: Religion and the transportation of goods in the Uemachi Plateau

► Examines the classical and medieval development of towns in the Osaka region. ► Connects urban development in this area to the growth of religious institutions. ► Demonstrates the links between those institutions and religious and commercial travel. ► Considers the relationship to the development of transportation routes. In the classical and medieval periods the area of Osaka connected the capitals of Nara and Kyoto with the Seto Inland Sea and areas beyond. The city of Osaka developed centered on the Uemachi Plateau, which was 15m higher than the surrounding area. The first area to flourish following the decline of the ancient capital of Naniwa-no-miya was Shitennōji Temple and its gate town. Because it was believed to be the gate to paradise, many pilgrims came to Shitennōji. Many sick and poor people also gathered there expecting alms from those pilgrims. East of Shitennōji was Imamiya Shrine and its gate town. Farther east was the port of Kizu. These functioned as a single base for transit and transport. The port of Watanabe also developed in the area, along the northern edge of the Uemachi Plateau. This port was at the intersection of land and water routes. Above this port Osaka would develop from the 15th century as a town within Honganji Temple’s precincts. Osaka Honganji was a True Pure Land Buddhist temple, and many performers and artisans came to dwell in the town. In this way, medieval Osaka had deep connections with temples and Buddhism. Because it was a religiously sacred land many sick people and beggars seeking aid gathered in and around the city.