Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a sprawling shrine with picturesque grounds plucked from a storybook. One of Osaka‘s most famous shrines, it is the site of many of the nation’s most important religious rites and traditions.

Founded in the 3rd century, the saga of the shrine stretches over a thousand years. It is steeped in history — in fact, it was mentioned in Genji Monogatari (“The Tale of Genji”), the world’s oldest novel.
 

Brief history of Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a Shinto shrine that embodies Japan’s ancient animistic religion. Three prominent Shinto deities are enshrined here, as well as the spirit of legendary Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto, known as  Empress Jingu. The Sumiyoshi deities protect sailors and fisherman; though now landlocked, Sumiyoshi Taisha once faced the sea. There are over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines scattered across Japan, but Sumiyoshi Taisha is the most famous and important, acting as the headquarters of the seafaring Sumiyoshi tradition.

The architectural style is famed for its rarity and beauty. Draped in striking vermillion, the shrine buildings encapsulate an ancient Japanese architecture called Sumiyoshi-zukuri which came about before influences from countries like China and Korea blended with the local culture.

A beautiful bridge called Sori-hashi is one of the most gorgeous features of the shrine. It’s nicknamed Taiko-bashi because when the curved structure reflects on the water below it forms a round shape reminiscent of a drum.

A site of religious pilgrimage

During hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), Sumiyoshi Taisha is the most visited of all Osaka’s shrines. Tens of thousands of people flock here over the first few days of January as an act of religious pilgrimage.

Food stalls and gaming booths are scattered among the grounds as people pray for good luck and draw their omikuji (paper fortune) for the year. Though extremely crowded, it is an incredible experience.

Every summer, the Otaue Rice Planting Festival draws visitors to the shrine to pray for an abundant harvest through ritual rice planting and elaborate dances. Visit Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine to experience the purest Japanese architecture.

Things To Know

Hours

Sumiyoshi Taisha is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from 6:30 a.m. from October through March). Entry is free.

Events

To learn about more amazing traditional Shinto festivals that take place at the shrine throughout the year, see the events page: http://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/en/rituals.html
 

How To Get There

Address

558-0045 Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Sumiyoshi, 2−9−89