Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

With 1,800 years’ history, Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is the headquarters of about 2,300 Sumiyoshi Shrines around Japan. As the most popular shrine in Osaka, about 2 million people will pay a visit to Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine during New Year. You can visit the shrine to make wishes or take part in ceremonies, like the Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival.   

What to See and Do in the Shrine 

Sorihashi Bridge

The bridge, known as Drum Bridge, is the emblem of the shrine. The shadow of the bridge in the river combined with the bridge can form a beautiful circle, which is a hot scene of the shrine. It is said that crossing the bridge will help you avoid bad luck.

Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine Photos ( 10 )

Sorihashi Bridge and Beautiful Cherry Blossom

Honden 'Sumiyoshi-zukuri'

It is the main building and also is the national treasure of Japan. The building was built in 1810 and reflects the Japanese architectural style of the 5th century.

Sumiyoshi-zukuri

Goshogozen Godairiki

There are many stones here, and some stones are painted with Japanese characters “five”, “big”, and “power”. It is said if you own the three stones, your wishes will come true in the future. The shrine provides a bag to store stones, and the price is 300 yen.

Omokaruishi

Omokaruishi is a hot spot in the shrine and people come here to lift the round stone to test whether their wish can be achieved or not. It is said that by lifting the stone twice after making the wish, the wish can be realized if you feel the second lifting is lighter. 

Tanekashi-sha

If you want to have a baby, you can visit Tanekashi-sha. The shrine worships the god who can give a baby. Tanekashi Doll is the mascot that symbolizes the new baby, and it is sold at 1,000 yen.
 

Internal Buildings in Shrine

Nankun-sha

You can find many cute Lucky Cats here. The right hands of Luck Cats stand for booming business and wealth, and the left hands indicate your family will be safe and happy. One Lucky Cat costs 500 yen.

Omoto-sha

Couples who come here will gain the divine blessing of a happy marriage. 

Wedding Hall

The shrine allows couples to hold weddings in Wedding Hall, and you have the opportunity to view the Japanese wedding rituals. The bride will wear a pure white robe and the groom will wear a black blouse and samurai dress.

Traditional Wedding - Sumiyoshi Taisha Photos ( 18 )

Wedding Hall in the Shrine

Notable Ceremonies in the Shrine 

Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival

It is one of the most popular and largest summer festivals in Osaka and lasts for 3 days from July 30th to August 1st. The festival is held to expel the disaster and illness, and people wearing white clothes will take the water from Osaka Bay in the morning on the first day and invite the god by a sedan chair. On the second day, women and children are dressed up with white faces and colorful clothes to cross the huge grass ring to purify their souls. During the last day, people will carry a large and elaborate sedan chair through the shrine and street.

Sacred Rice Planting Ritual 

Japanese Shintoism pays close attention to the rice and they will hold different festivals to pray for the growth of rice and a good harvest. Sacred Rice Planting is a festival to bless the smooth growth of the seedlings. You have the opportunity to see the process of planting seedlings in the fields and cow plowing the field. Besides, dancers and musicians with colorful clothes and exquisite makeup will perform by the field. The festival is held on June 14 from 13:00 to 15:00 every year and is designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property in Japan.

Tips

1. The right way to worship in the shrine is to bow twice, clap your hands twice, and bow once again.
2. Smoking and eating are forbidden in the shrine.
3. Credit cards are not accepted in the stores of the shrine.

Opening Time

From April to September, it is open from 6:00 to 17:00. 
From October to March, it is open from 6:30 to 17:00. 
During the Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival, it opens till 22:00. 

Recommended Visit Time 

About 1 hour.

How to Get to Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine

1. You can take Hankai Tramway Hankai-Line, and get off at Sumiyoshi Torii Mae Station. 

2. You can take Railway Nankai Main Line, and get off at Sumiyoshi Taisha Station, then walk for about 5 minutes. 

3. You can take Railway Nankai Koya Line, and get off at Sumiyoshihigashi Station, then walk for about 5 minutes.

See More:

 Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine Photos
 Sumiyoshi Tasisha Shrine Wedding Video
 Traditional Wedding - Sumiyoshi Taisha Photos
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