Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Looking for a respite from the crowds and bustle of Osaka? Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, is a gorgeous and tranquil break from the city. Best of all, it’s just a quick hop and stop from the Tennoji area.

[Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine]

If you’re already exploring the Tennoji area, take a few more stops on the subway and head on over to Sumiyoshi Taisha. Founded in the 3rd century - the year 211 to be exact - this grand, colorful shrine is dedicated to the three gods of the sea and sea travel. Luckily for history buffs and modern visitors, it was also one of the few Shinto shrines in Osaka that was spared by the WWII bombing.

[Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow]

The construction of Sumiyoshi Taisha predates the arrival of Buddhism in the country, and is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. This is where you’ll see an ancient style of shrine architecture that’s entirely Japanese. You have to admit - it’s pretty impressive that they’ve managed to preserve this style as it is for over 1800 years!

[Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow]

It should be noted that the buildings of the shrine themselves don’t date from 211. What happens at Sumiyoshi Taisha - similar to Ise Grand Shrine - is that the buildings are dismantled and rebuilt every few hundred years or so. However, they do recreate the buildings down to the last detail, as a renewal ritual of sorts, so the architectural design of the shrine remains exactly the same, carrying on the spirit of the previous structure. The last rebuilding ritual took place in 1810, which makes these buildings around two centuries old. That’s still quite respectable, so the four main buildings do have National Treasure status.

[Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow]

A number of kami are enshrined here: the three gods of the sea, the spirit of Empress Jingu (founder of the shrine), and the gods of war and poetry. Naturally, travelers, sailors, and poets flock to the shrine for prayers! Sumiyoshi Taisha is an especially popular destination in Osaka around the New Year period for hatsumode, the first prayers of the New Year.

English name:
Sumiyoshi Taisha

Japanese name:
住吉大社

English address:
2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, 558-0045

Japanese address:
〒558-0045 大阪市住吉区住吉2-9-89

Opening hours:
April-September: 6am-5pm
October-March: 6:30am-5pm

Admission:
Free

Nearest Transport:
Tram: In front of Sumiyoshitoriimae Station on the Hankai Line.
Train: 3-minute walk from Sumiyoshitaisha Station on the Nankai Main Line.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-6-6672-0753

Website: Official Website (English)

Near To Here:
Sumiyoshi Taisha is located in Southern Osaka. See our complete list of things to do in the Southern Osaka district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
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• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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