Enshrined Deities
Main Deities
Take-Toyohazura Wake no Kimi: A son of Emperor Kaika, the ninth emperor of Japan according to traditional accounts.
Sokotsutsu-no-o-no-Mikoto: One of the three Sumiyoshi deities.
Nakatsutsu-no-o-no-Mikoto: One of the three Sumiyoshi deities.
Uwatsutsu-no-o-no-Mikoto: One of the three Sumiyoshi deities.
Associated Deities
Other deities are also enshrined in the main sanctuary, including Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, Emperor Sujin, and Isotakeru-no-Mikoto.
Deities Enshrined Together
In 1907, several nearby shrines and deities were enshrined together, including Kusatsu Otoshi no Okami, Abiko Shrine, and Nuno Ta Hime no Okami. This formed the basis of the shrine’s present system of enshrined deities.
The Origins of the Shrine and the Yoriami Area
History of the Yoriami Region
The name “Yorai” in the shrine’s name derives from the ancient place name Yoriami. The “Yoriami Pond” is recorded in the Nihon Shoki, one of Japan’s earliest historical chronicles. The pond was an important irrigation reservoir developed under the authority of the ancient Japanese court.
Much of the pond disappeared during the 1704 rerouting of the Yamato River. A small portion remained as a pond known as Ajie-mon Pond, but this was eventually filled in during 1969.
Connection with the Yoriami Clan
An ancient clan known as the Yorai clan is believed to have lived in the Yoriami area and may also have been involved in managing Oyosami Shrine.
According to the Kojiki, Take-Toyohazura Wake no Kimi was regarded as the ancestor of the Yorai clan. Other historical sources provide different genealogies, suggesting that the Yorai name may have been associated with several lineages.
History of Oyosami Shrine
The Shrine in Ancient Times
The exact date of the shrine’s foundation is unknown, but it has been worshipped since ancient times as the local deity of the Yoriami region.
According to the Shinsho Kankōfu-shō, 18 households were assigned to support the shrine in 765, during the first year of the Tenpyo-jingo era. During the Heian period, the shrine was recognized as an important religious institution and received sacred treasures from the imperial court on several occasions.
Decline and Reconstruction in the Medieval Period
During the medieval period, the influence of the Yoriami clan declined, and the shrine itself also lost some of its former prominence. The nearby Daishokannonji Temple eventually took responsibility for the shrine’s religious affairs.
In 1659, during the Manji era, the shrine buildings were destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.
Development from the Meiji Period Onward
During the Meiji period, the policy of Shinbutsu Bunri, the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, brought the shrine’s administration independent from Daishokannonji Temple.
Oyosami Shrine was subsequently elevated from a village shrine to a prefectural shrine and was formally recognized as such in 1931.
However, another fire struck the shrine in 1969. The present shrine buildings were reconstructed in reinforced concrete in 1971.
Historical Court Rank
From ancient times through the premodern period, Oyosami Shrine received various ranks from the imperial court.
In 847, the shrine was designated as a government-supported shrine. In 859, it was elevated to the rank of Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade. By 909, its rank had been raised to Senior Second Rank.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Sanctuary
The present main sanctuary was built in 1971 to replace the previous structure destroyed by the 1969 fire.
The reinforced-concrete building follows the traditional nagare-zukuri architectural style of the former sanctuary while incorporating a more modern design.
Ryujin Well
At the southwestern corner of the shrine grounds is a well known as the Ryujin Well.
According to local tradition, a dragon-serpent living in Yoriami Pond promised to bring rain if farmers prayed using water from the well. During periods of drought, people actually performed rainmaking prayers at the shrine.
There was also once another well called Niwa-i on the northern side of the grounds. Its name is said to have influenced the name of the surrounding area.
Kaguraden and New Kaguraden
The Kaguraden enshrines Okinaga-Tarashi-Hime-no-Mikoto, traditionally identified with Empress Jingu, while the New Kaguraden enshrines Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.
During religious festivals, traditional kagura dances are performed at these halls as offerings to the deities.
Auxiliary Shrines
Main Auxiliary Shrines
Shinmei Shrine: Enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke-hime-no-Okami.
Tenjin Shrine: Enshrines Sugawara no Michizane.
Inari Shrine: Enshrines Kura-Inadama-no-Okami.
Ryujin Shrine: Enshrines Ryujin, the dragon deity.
Annual Festivals and Events
Oyosami Shrine holds a variety of religious ceremonies throughout the year. These events are important occasions for the local community and also offer visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese shrine culture.
Major Festivals
Spring Grand Festival: Held annually on April 16.
Summer Grand Festival: The main ceremony is held on the second Sunday of July, preceded by an evening festival the day before.
Autumn Grand Festival: The main ceremony is held on the second Sunday of October, preceded by an evening festival the day before.
Literature and Oyosami Shrine
The famous Heian-period poet Fujiwara no Teika composed a waka poem about Oyosami Shrine in his collection Shui Guso.
“May your reign endure forever,
in the sacred grove of Yoriami,
where pine and cedar trees
may flourish for a thousand years.”
The poem expresses a wish for the shrine’s long life and continued prosperity.
Access to Oyosami Shrine
Access by Train
Oyosami Shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk from Abiko Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
The route from the station is relatively straightforward, and visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the local neighborhood along the way.
Oyosami Shrine: A Link to Ancient Sumiyoshi
Oyosami Shrine has been closely connected with the religious traditions of the ancient Yoriami region for centuries. Despite periods of decline and repeated destruction by fire, the shrine has been rebuilt and maintained throughout its long history.
For visitors interested in the history, mythology, and traditional religious culture of Osaka, the shrine provides an opportunity to discover a quieter historical side of Sumiyoshi. Exploring the shrine grounds while learning about the ancient Yoriami region can add greater depth to a visit.