Sumiyoshi-taisha (住吉大社), or the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, is Osaka’s most famous shrine. It is the headquarters of over 2000 Shinto shrines across Japan and believed to enshrine 3 gods, for protecting the nation, sea voyages and waka (31-syllable) poetry. Registered as a national treasure, it also has a few unique aspects to it. The most interesting was watching Japanese people searching for special stones in a kind of spiritual game, with the aim seemingly to collect together 3 that have certain Japanese characters on them.
Budget travel tips
- It’s on the way from the airport, so worth checking on the way in our out to save a buck on transportation.
Information
Cost: Free
Open: 6:30 to 17:00
How to get there
From Namba station, take the Nankai Main Line Local to Sumiyoshi Taisha station (9 mins, 210 yen).
Recommended hostels and cheap hotels
See our recommended places in downtown Osaka, or check prices at Booking.com.
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