Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
TIME : 2016/2/22 11:52:45
Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
Osaka’s most famous shrine, Sumiyoshi-taisha, protects travelers of all sorts, including fisherman and sailors. The shrine is named both for the Sumiyoshi gods – the gods of the sea – and for a distinctive style of purely Japanese architecture known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri. To this day, it remains a pilgrimage destination for seafarers and travelers from around Japan, and the world, to pray for safe passage and good fortune. Adding to its superlatives, the shrine was founded in the 3rd century, making it one of Japan’s oldest shrines. For these reasons, Japan designated the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine as a National Treasure.
The most recognizable image of Sumiyoshi-taisha is its symbol, the Taiko-bashi Bridge. The red arched Bridge provides a picturesque walkway across a pond flanked with verdant foliage that leads to the shrine. The shrine itself features traditional straight roofs and a red gate. It attracts visitors year round but bustles with activity on New Year’s Day, as Japanese families come to pay homage to a new year. Practical Info
Located in the southern part of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi-taisha can be reached on both the Hankai Line and the Nankai Railway by the station bearing its name. The Hankai Line Sumiyoshikoen Station exits at the shrine, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Railway is a three-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine is open from sunrise until about 5:00pm daily. There is no admission fee.
