Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi-Taisha is the head shrine of Sumiyoshi Shrines and the general shrine of the more than 2,300 Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan.

Since the Kofun period, the shrine has been associated with Sumiyoshi-tsu and Naniwazu, which were important diplomatic ports, and has been worshipped as a god to protect navigation and ports, with the three Tsutsu-no-Mikoto deities and Empress Jingu, the gods of the sea, as its deities.

It was also worshipped as a national god of nautical protection, enshrined in ships that sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty, as well as a god of misogi-exorcism.

During the Heian period (794-1185), Sumiyoshi-taisha was worshipped by the Imperial Court and aristocrats as a god of waka poetry, and during the Edo period (1603-1868), it came to be revered by the general populace as well.

Sumiyoshi Taisha is the representative shrine of Osaka as one of the shrines in Settsu Province, and is known as one of the most representative shrines in Japan as a former government mintage shrine.

The four main shrines of Sumiyoshi Taisha were built in the ancient Japanese architectural style called “Sumiyoshi-zukuri” and are designated as national treasures.

In addition, many of the buildings, such as the Mokuden, Ishibutai, and Kozo, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

The “Sumiyoshi Taisha Jindai-ki,” one of the few ancient documents in the shrine’s collection, is designated as a national important cultural property, and a number of wooden dance masks and other items are designated as important cultural properties or Osaka Prefecture cultural properties.

Sumiyoshi Taisha has preserved many traditional Shinto rituals, especially the Otaue ritual, which is one of the most representative in Japan and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

In addition, the Natsukoshi-Oharai ritual has been selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by Osaka Prefecture. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a wonderful shrine rich in history and culture.

The four main buildings, designated as national treasures, are built in the “Sumiyoshi-zukuri” style, which has three distinctive features: the pillars, rafters, and gable boards are painted in tan (tan-nuri), the hamegi-ita walls are painted in white gofun (white gofun), the roof is a strong straight gable with cypress bark thatching, and the entrance is a straight gable entrance.

Within the precincts of the shrine are more than 260 stone lanterns of various sizes, an anti-bridge, and the “Sumiyoshi Jindai-ki,” a designated cultural asset.

There are also more than 20 auxiliary and subordinate shrines, and various festivals, such as the Natsugoshi Matsuri (summer festival), are held in the temple.

It is known as the most popular shrine in Osaka, attracting over 2 million visitors each year for Hatsumode (New Year’s visit).

It is believed to be beneficial for safe voyage, family safety, prosperous business, traffic safety, and to ward off bad luck.