History of Shikitsu Matsunomiya
The Legend of Empress Jingu
The origins of Shikitsu Matsunomiya are traditionally associated with Empress Jingu. According to shrine tradition, she encountered rough seas while traveling from Sumiyoshi Taisha toward the coast of Shikitsu after returning from her campaign to the Korean Peninsula.
It is said that the empress planted three pine trees along the shore and prayed, “May the tide rise no farther than this point.” Susanoo-no-Mikoto was then enshrined beneath the pine trees.
Establishment of Okuninushi Shrine
The subsidiary Okuninushi Shrine was established in 1744 after a divine revelation, with the deity of Izumo Taisha invited and enshrined here.
Along with Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, it became a popular destination for worshippers from across Osaka City and is especially lively on Kinoe-Ne days, which are considered auspicious days in the traditional Japanese calendrical system.
The nearby Daikoku Bridge over the Dotonbori River also has a historical connection with the shrine, having originally been developed as an approach route for visitors heading to the shrine.
Connection with the Local Community
The shrine grounds contain a statue of Kizu Kansuke, also known as Nakamura Kansuke, who played an important role in the development of the Kizugawa River area and what is now the vicinity of Naniwa and Taisho wards.
When Kizu Village was incorporated into Osaka City, the town names Kizu Daikokucho, derived from the shrine, and Kizu Kansukecho, named after Kansuke, were established.
These place names remained in use until 1980, leaving a lasting connection between the shrine, the area’s history, and its local culture.
Deities Enshrined at Shikitsu Matsunomiya
Main Deities
Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto are enshrined as the principal deities.
Associated Deities
The associated deities include Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, and the Eight Pillar Princes.
Facilities within the Shrine Grounds
Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary is the central place of worship at Shikitsu Matsunomiya.
Worship Hall
The worship hall is where visitors offer prayers to the enshrined deities.
Hinode Daikoku Shrine (Okuninushi Shrine)
Hinode Daikoku Shrine, also known as Okuninushi Shrine, enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto separately from the main sanctuary.
The shrine is also sometimes called Hinode Daikoku-no-kami. Because it faces National Route 26, it is a particularly prominent feature of the shrine complex and is easily noticed by visitors traveling through the area.
Kusunoki Inari Shrine
Kusunoki Inari Shrine enshrines Ukanomitama-no-kami, a deity traditionally associated with food, agriculture, and prosperity.
Hakuryu Myojin Shrine
Hakuryu Myojin Shrine, affectionately known as “Mi-san,” is another sacred site within the grounds.
Other Facilities
The shrine grounds also include a shrine office and the statue of Kizu Kansuke.
Sub-Shrine Outside the Main Grounds
Shikitsu Matsunomiya Nishinari Tabisho
Shikitsu Matsunomiya Nishinari Tabisho is an auxiliary shrine located in Matsu 2-chome, Nishinari Ward, Osaka City.
The Osaka Seven Gods of Fortune and Pilgrimage Routes
Shikitsu Matsunomiya is known as a shrine dedicated to Daikokuten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in Osaka. It is also included among the shrines on the Nankai Railway Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route.
Visitors can therefore include Shikitsu Matsunomiya as part of a traditional Shichifukujin pilgrimage, visiting multiple temples and shrines associated with the Seven Gods of Fortune.
Access
Shikitsu Matsunomiya is conveniently accessible by train.
The shrine is within walking distance of Daikokucho Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Yotsubashi Line.
The station’s name, Daikokucho, is itself derived from the area’s historic connection with the shrine and Okuninushi worship.
A Shrine Connected with Osaka’s History and Local Culture
Shikitsu Matsunomiya and its subsidiary Okuninushi Shrine have deep connections with the history and local culture of Osaka.
The shrine preserves numerous stories, including the traditional legend of Empress Jingu and the historical contributions of Kizu Kansuke to the development of the surrounding area.
As a shrine associated with Daikokuten and the Osaka Seven Gods of Fortune, it also continues to attract worshippers making traditional pilgrimage visits.
With its long history, distinctive religious traditions, and connections with the development of the local community, Shikitsu Matsunomiya offers visitors an opportunity to experience a quieter and more traditional side of Osaka while exploring the lively Naniwa district.