Sumiyoshi Taisha

(Source : pixta)

Sumiyoshi Taisha is the shrine with the most visitors in Osaka. During New Year, there are over 2 million visitors in 3 days. It is affectionately called "Sumiyoshi-san" by the locals and is a historic shrine representing Japan, that has even been mentioned in Japan's ancient literature, The Tale of Genji. The four main buildings that are registered national treasures and the impressive bridge that is featured in novels are all worth seeing.

(Source: 　pixta)

Main Hall

The main hall of Sumiyoshi Taisha has a very unique shape. Seen from the front, the main halls number three, two and one stand in a straight line facing west, while the fourth hall is built next to number three. Registered national treasures, all the halls are said to have the most ancient shrine structures.

(Source: 　pixta)

Sorihashi

The Sori-hashi is a representative bridge of Sumiyoshi Taisha and is also called Taiko-bashi. It is also known for having been described as being "scarier to descend than to climb" in a novel by author Yasunari Kawabata, a Nobel Prize winner for Literature. The night view, selected as Kansai region's top 100 night views, is also spectacular.

(Source: 　pixta)

Festivals

There are many festivals held all year round at Sumiyoshi Taisha. Otaueshinji, a colorful festival in early summer where seeding a rice field is done at the shrine to pray to the divinities of the paddy fields, and Sumiyoshi Matsuri, a grand celebration of summer, are a must see. There are also many lively food stalls and stores during the night.