Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The mother of all shrines in southern Osaka

Hannah Sy Nov 08, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The bridge is one of the main attractions in Sumiyoshi Taisha.</p>

<p>Stone statues like these are lined up in front of the complex. </p>

<p>A prayer is going on inside the shrine.</p>

<p>You can see reflection of the bridge from the pond. </p>

<p>A quiet place to walk around for tourists.</p>

<p>Flags are posted up all around the premises. </p>

<p>different small shrines that are painted in bright orange. </p>

<p>Ropes like these are tied around the big trees inside the complex.</p>

<p>A man ringing the bell after saying his prayers.</p>

<p>Papers with prayers tied on a rope.</p>

The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, being the most famous of all Sumiyoshi Shrines. It boasts a unique architecture that's purely Japanese style, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri. Sumiyoshi Shrines are found close to harbors as it is where fishermen and travelers pray to the Shinto god Kami. The Sorihashi bridge is the main attraction of Sumiyosi Taisha for tourists, its high arc creates a great reflection over the pond. Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine is located just a short walk from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on Nankai Main Line. It makes a wonderful day trip to go back in time, from the nearby retro tram line to the ancient tombs of Mozu, as well as the old town of Kishiwada on the way to Kansai Airport.