The purpose of this study is to clarify the physical, socio-economic and political nature of Tenma Honganji Jinaimachi (Temple Town), which existed for a short time (1585-1591) in the Tenma district of Osaka. The study is divided into 3 phases and constitutes an investigation of the importance of this town in its geographical and historical setting. This article (the first part of the study) concentrates on a discussion of physical aspects of Tenma Jinaimachi its location, scale and the formation of the urban blocks.