Join more than 2 million annual worshippers who visit the Sumiyoshi Shrine to experience its natural beauty and sense of cultural and spiritual history. Founded in the 3rd century, this Osaka shrine is one of the country’s oldest temples and features an emblematic arched bridge, sacred trees that are more than 1,000 years old and beautiful grounds filled with spiritual spots.
There are approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan, of which the Osaka temple is considered the main one. The shrine is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Sanjin (the three gods of the sea), the spirit of Empress Jingu and the gods of war and of poetry. Look carefully and you’ll notice that the main buildings are arranged to look like a fleet of ships headed for sea.
The shrine’s unique style of architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, is not influenced by the Asian mainland and considered purely Japanese. Notice Sumiyoshi’s straight, as opposed to curved, thatched roofs, vermilion pillars, white walls and surrounding wooden fence, all hallmarks of this architectural style. The four main buildings of the shrine are designated National Treasures for their representation of ancient architecture.
Be sure to see the Sorihashi, the bright-red, arched bridge at the shrine’s entrance. The bridge is nicknamed Taiko-bashi for its round reflection in the water, reminiscent of a drum. In its original construction, about 400 years ago, a bridge of this type would have crossed an inlet of the sea. Today it crosses over a pond, its steep arch reminding visitors of a rainbow that bridges the earth and sky.
During the first few days of January, thousands of Japanese residents visit the shrine for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. If you’re lucky enough to be among them, you’ll enjoy food stalls, game booths and the chance to draw your omikuji, or paper fortune, for the year ahead. If you are traveling to Japan in the summer months, check the website to see if you’ll be in town for the annual Otaue Rice Planting Festival. Join in and pray for a fruitful harvest with elaborate dancing and rice planting rituals.
Sumiyoshi Shrine is in the Sumiyoshi Ward of southern Osaka. Travel here via public transportation or by car parking is available for a fee. Admission to the shrine is free.
