Deities Enshrined at Kamitsu Shrine
Kamitsu Shrine enshrines several Shinto deities, including:
Emperor Ojin
Empress Jingu
Sokotsutsu-no-O-no-Mikoto, Nakatsutsu-no-O-no-Mikoto, and Uwatsutsu-no-O-no-Mikoto
Ukanomitama-no-Kami
Sugawara no Michizane
Sukunahikona-no-Kami
Sarutahiko-no-Kami
History of Kamitsu Shrine
The exact date of the shrine’s foundation is unknown. It was originally believed to have been called Kojima Hachiman. Historical records were lost over the centuries as a result of flooding from the Nakatsu and Kanzaki Rivers, making it difficult to establish the shrine’s precise origins.
Foundation and Surviving Historical Records
Although the original records were lost, a ridge-end tag (munafuda) discovered during the reconstruction of the shrine buildings in 1929 revealed that the shrine had been established during the Tencho period (1573–1592).
Development and Merging of Shrines
1872: Kamitsu Shrine was designated as a village shrine under the shrine ranking system of the Meiji period.
1909: Several nearby shrines, including Nonomiya Shrine and Inari Shrine, were merged with Kamitsu Shrine.
1911: Sarutahiko Shrine in Kojima was merged with the shrine, and the name was changed to the present Kamitsu Shrine.
1972: The shrine buildings were reconstructed.
Highlights within the Shrine Grounds
Juso Ebisu Shrine
Juso Ebisu Shrine was established in 1956 after receiving the enshrined deity from Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. It is associated with prayers for business prosperity and is particularly connected with the commercial traditions of the Juso area.
Rokusho Shrine
Rokusho Shrine enshrines six deities, including Amaterasu Omikami and Takemikazuchi-no-Kami.
Fukunaga Inari Shrine (Ukemochi Shrine)
Fukunaga Inari Shrine, also known as Ukemochi Shrine, enshrines Fukunaga Inari Okami and is visited by people praying for the prosperity and well-being of the local community.
Yamano Inari Shrine
Yamano Inari Shrine enshrines Yamano Inari Okami and reflects traditional forms of nature-related worship.
Ancestor Shrine
The Ancestor Shrine is dedicated to the ancestors of the local community and provides a place to honor and remember those who came before.
Annual Festivals and Events
Kamitsu Shrine holds a variety of traditional ceremonies and festivals throughout the year.
January 1: New Year’s Day Festival.
January 9–11: Juso Ebisu Festival, also known as Tomi Ebisu Festival.
February 3: Setsubun Festival, featuring traditional bean-throwing ceremonies.
Third Saturday and Sunday of May: Spring Festival.
July 22–23: Summer Festival.
October 22–23: Autumn Festival, with October 23 serving as the shrine’s main annual festival.
Juso Market
On the 13th of each month, a local market known as Juso-ichi is held around the shrine, with various vendors setting up stalls.
The market is not held when the 13th falls on a Saturday or Sunday in August or November.
Access
Juso Station, Hankyu Railway: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the East Exit.
A Shrine Connected with Everyday Life in Juso
Kamitsu Shrine is a place where the history and traditions of the Juso community continue to live on. Its numerous festivals, auxiliary shrines, and monthly Juso Market provide opportunities to experience local customs and community life.
With its convenient location near Juso Station, the shrine is an easy stop for travelers exploring northern Osaka. A visit offers a chance to discover the religious traditions and local character of the Juso neighborhood.