Sumiyoshi Taisha

Located in the outskirts of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi Taisha, also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is actually one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland.

Being the main and most famous of over 2000 other Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, Sumiyoshi Taisha enshrines the god, or Kami, that protects travelers, fishermen, and sailors at sea and as such often are found close to ports and harbors.

One of Sumiyoshi Taisha’s other famous features is its beautiful Sorihashi Bridge, which creates a unique high arch over a pond and as well as one of Japan’s most visited temples during Hatsumode or the first visit to a shrine on New Year.