Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha, The Head Shrine Of About Two Thousand Sumiyoshi Shrines Across Japan, In Southern Osaka, Built In An Early Style Predating Buddhism, With A Famous Steep Arched Sorihashi Bridge And Four Main Halls. A Busy New Year Shrine. · Osaka, Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine of about two thousand Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, and it sits in southern Osaka, a short walk from Sumiyoshitaisha Station on the Nankai line - confirm. The shrine honours gods of the sea and safe passage, and the grounds once ran close to the shore. Its four main halls, the honden, stand in a row and are National Treasures; they are built in the Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, a plain, straight-roofed form older than the arrival of Buddhism, with no Chinese-style curves. The best-known image is the steep arched Sorihashi bridge over a pond near the entrance. It suits architecture fans, travellers who want a shrine without tour buses and anyone interested in early Japanese building. It is a good visit most of the year, and far more crowded at New Year, when it is one of the busiest shrines in Kansai. Entry is free, and the place takes about an hour to see.

2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, a short walk from Sumiyoshitaisha Station on the Nankai line, Osaka, Osaka, Japan

The shrine grounds are usually open from early morning to late afternoon, with a slightly shorter day in winter, and the offices and the amulet counter close earlier than the gates - confirm hours. Entry to the grounds is free. The halls themselves are viewed from outside; the inner enclosures are closed to the public. At New Year, the shrine opens through the night and the queues are long. From Namba the Nankai main line reaches Sumiyoshitaisha Station in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, and the shrine is a short walk from the gate. No booking is needed; carry coins for offerings.

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