Namba Yasaka Shrine

Located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Namba Yasaka Shrine is well-known for praying for good luck and expelling doom, as the two gods worshipped for more than 900 years in the Shrine are in charge of expelling devils and plagues. It is also called “Lion Shrine” because of its lion-head-shaped Hall. The grand lion-head hall with a solemn expression and the grand celebration events of the Tenjin Festival in July can never be missed, when the fireworks show pushes the summer atmosphere in Osaka to the summit.

Visitors are taking photos in Namba Yasaka Shrine

The Dignified Lion head-shaped Hall

The must-see in Namba Yasaka Shrine is the Lion-head Hall, which is 12 meters high (39 feet), 11 meters wide (36 feet), and 10 meters long (33 feet). The “Lion” opens its mouth. The interior of the mouth is decorated as a typical shrine for visitors to do worshipping. 

The Lion Hall is wonderful for its lively appearance and artistic design. The dignified expression of the Lion mainly comes from its pair of sparking golden eyes and the two rows of golden fangs with sharp angles on the bottom and top. The stone body with pale color, matched with the golden color of eyes and fangs make it like a real brave and angry lion. When the lights on the “eyes” and those inside the “mouth” are turned on, the Lion Hall looks Holy. The lights would be turned on only 3 times every year: January 1st, February 3rd, and the summer festival between July 13th and July 14th. 

The entrance of Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visitors standing before the Lion-head Hall

In addition, the symmetric patterns on the forehead of the lion looks like a blooming lotus flower, making the Hall more delicate and exude an artistic atmosphere. 

Looking forward to the Summer Festival and Boat Procession Ceremony on July

On July 13th and 14th each year, various dancing performances and activities would be held in the Lion Hall to celebrate the Summer Festival, such as the “Lion Dancing”, divine sedan & float parades, and sprinkling rice cakes. At that time, the lights on the lion eyes would be turned on, enhancing the festival atmosphere.

In addition, the Boat Procession is also held in this month. It is one of the events of the grand Tenjin Festival – the most representative festival in Osaka. The activity starts at Minatomachi dock which is about 1 km (1,100 yards) from the Shrine. At night, 20 crafted ships are cruising on the river, and the fire burning on the torches, along with the fireworks, lightens the river water and sky.

Pray for good health or Academic Achievements & various cute Omamori

In Osaka, Namba Yasaka Shrine owns a high religious status upon praying for good health and academic achievements. Its status dates back to more than 900 years ago when the plague was raging, and Namba Yasaka Shrine was built by the Japanese Government, hoping the god could save people. Such belief may be related to the Lion’s fangs, whose sharp angels may “frighten” the illness away. 

Gradually, more and more people come to the Shrine to pray for good luck, including students for progress in their grades.

The classic Japanese shrine building in Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visitors, decorative lanterns beside, & shrine building behind

Open time

The Shrine is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year

Ticket

Free

Tips

1. Many tourists would take photos with the Lion Hall, and it will take some time to queue up.

2. Various shapes of Omamoris – the Japanese amulets, are sold in the Shrine, such as the schoolbag-shaped ones to pray for good health for your child or the carp-shaped ones for love and marriages, which may cost 500 yen for one.

3. You can get a seal unique to Namba Yasaka Shrine on your notebook, which is a good way to commemorate your journey in Osaka.

How to get to Namba Yasaka Shrine?

1. From places faraway: Osaka Metro & 8 minutes’ walking

You can take Osaka Metro and get off at Namba Station, which is 500 meters (545 yards) from the Shine. You can then walk there in 8 minutes.

2. From Dotonbori or Hozenji Tokocho nearby: 17 minutes’ walking

It is 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) between Dotonbori and the Shrine, and similar distance from Hozenji Yokocho to the Shrine. You can get to the Shrine within 17 minutes’ walking.

Nearby tourist attractions

1. Dotonbori

Dotombori, 17 minutes’ walking distance from Namba Yasaka Shrine, is a prosperous district where you can stroll around its numerous fashion clothes, gift, and craft shops and buy things you need, or rest in the hotel there.

2. Hozenji Yokocho 

If you are hungry after visiting the Shrine, then you walk for 17 minutes to Hozenji Yokocho. Many restaurants gather here and you can taste authentic Osaka food.