History
Miyakojima Shrine stands on the left bank of the Okawa River, a branch of the Yodo River. The area was once frequently affected by flooding.
According to the shrine’s tradition, during the late Heian period, Emperor Go-Shirakawa visited the area and became concerned about the hardships caused by flooding. He ordered a shrine to be established to protect the local community.
Founding of Jugosha Shrine
Following this order, eight surrounding villages, including Kemamura, Sawagae-mura, and Tomobuchi-mura in Higashinari District, worked together to establish Jugosha Shrine in 1160.
Later, in 1168, Emperor Go-Shirakawa founded the Buddhist nunnery Boonji Temple north of the shrine to hold memorial services for his mother, Taikenmon-in.
Renaming as Miyakojima Shrine
The shrine was originally called Jugosha Shrine because it enshrined 15 deities, including Amaterasu Omikami. In 1943, it was renamed Miyakojima Shrine, the name it bears today.
Wartime Destruction and Reconstruction
On June 7, 1945, during the third major air raid on Osaka in World War II, much of the shrine’s buildings and grounds were destroyed by fire.
The shrine was rebuilt after the war in 1949 and once again became an important center of religious life for the local community.
Cultural Heritage
Stone Three-Tiered Hōkyōintō Pagoda
One of the most notable features of the grounds is a stone three-tiered Hōkyōintō pagoda dating to 1304.
It is designated as an Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property and is regarded as the oldest surviving stone artifact in Osaka City. The pagoda is also a valuable example of the sophisticated stone-carving and construction techniques of its time.
Deities Enshrined at Miyakojima Shrine
The shrine enshrines the following 15 deities:
Amaterasu Omikami
Hirota Okami, also known as Rokko-zan Daigongen
Sumiyoshi Okami, also known as Sumiyoshi Daimyojin
Kumano Okami, also known as Kumano Gongen
Misokawa Okami
Hakusan Okami, also known as Hakusan Gongen
Ikuno Okami
Komori Okami
Isonokami Okami, also known as Iwagami Daimyojin and Furu Daimyojin
Kasuga Okami, also known as Kasuga Gongen and Kasuga Daimyojin
Kamo Okami
Oharano Okami
Matsuo Okami, also known as Matsuo Daimyojin
Iwashimizu Hachiman Okami, also known as Hachiman Daibosatsu
Inari Okami, also known as Inari Daimyojin
Facilities on the Shrine Grounds
Main sanctuary (Honden)
Worship hall (Haiden)
遥拝所 (Yohai-sho): A place for worship from a distance.
Purification fountain (Temizuya)
Shrine office (Shamusho)
Festival equipment storehouse
Stone three-tiered Hōkyōintō pagoda: An Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
Festivals
Summer Grand Festival
The Summer Grand Festival is held every year on July 22 and 23. The celebration features local danjiri festival floats, lion dances, and children’s taiko performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Autumn Grand Festival
The Autumn Grand Festival takes place on October 19 and 20. Food stalls and other temporary festival vendors line the shrine grounds, attracting local residents and visitors.
Access
By subway: Get off at Miyakojima Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and walk approximately 100 meters northwest.
By road: From the Miyakojima-Hondori intersection on Osaka Loop Road, travel approximately 200 meters west.
A Historic Shrine at the Heart of the Community
Miyakojima Shrine has a long history and a close connection with the local community. Its annual festivals continue to be important occasions for residents, bringing traditional performances and celebrations to the neighborhood.
The stone three-tiered Hōkyōintō pagoda is another highlight, providing a tangible connection with the area’s medieval history.
For visitors exploring northeastern Osaka, Miyakojima Shrine offers an opportunity to discover a quieter side of the city while experiencing local religious traditions, historic heritage, and community festivals.