Never be afraid to travel during the off-season. While traveling outside the holidays or summer may mean not catching big Christmas discounts, missing the special events in theme parks, and not having the opportunity to enjoy the snowfall in places like Japan, off-season travels also mean cheaper flights, hotels, and experiences.
Besides, some of the most widely visited attractions in your favorite destinations don’t actually choose a particular season. They’re not seasonal like your fruits, such as shrines. In Japan, visiting shrines brings you to its people’s religions and cultures. Among the best places to see magnificent shrines in this country is Osaka. What are the must-visit shrines here? Read on!
1. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
It is your loss if you are traveling to Osaka but skipping a visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Built in the third century, this shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country, with a design following the iconic Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture, a style that even predates Buddhism’s spread in Japan. This shrine pays homage to the gods of sea voyages and maritime safety, which is why it is a preferred pilgrimage site for fishermen and sailors.
Hours: 6 AM-5 PM
Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka 558-0001, Japan
2. Namba Yasaka Shrine
This tiny shrine’s most glaring feature is the ritualistic performance stage, taking the shape of a lion’s shape. But there’s more to Namba Yasaka Shrine than meets the eye. This pilgrimage site is dedicated to all of Namba or Japan’s high-octane entertainment district.
The way the theater space is designed, with the lion seemingly swallowing the door, showcases how the shishi swallows evil with its enormous mouth, summoning victory and success. The shishi is also worshipped and venerated as the god of competition, academics, and business, which is why athletes and students often visit the temple to find good luck.
Hours: 6:30 AM-5 PM
Address: 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0016, Japan
ALSO READ: MUST-WATCH FESTIVALS IN OSAKA
3. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
With a classic temple design similar to those you see in China and Taiwan, the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was founded during the late Heian era and honors a famous scholar, poet, and politician among Osaka’s locals.
Aside from being a promising spot to view ume or plum blossoms, students visit this shrine, too, to pray for success in their examinations. The Tenjin Matsuri, one of the three most widely known festivals in Japan, is held here.
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM
Address: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0041, Japan
4. Ikukunitama Shrine
The Ikukunitama Shrine’s beauty is compared to that of Topaz as a stunning blue fabric hangs on its façade. This shrine was established over a millennium ago and is steeped in myth. Its story is interwoven with Japan’s national identity as it is dedicated to the gods of the country’s founding. This place is well-known among people who are seeking peace.
Hours: 6:30 AM-5 PMAddress: 13-9 Ikutamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 543-0071, Japan
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5. Hokoku Shrine
The architecture of this Shinto shrine in Osaka can interestingly be likened to those of temples in Thailand or Cambodia. Well, after all, those are Buddhist nations, too.
The Hokoku Shrine is home to the warlord deities in Japanese culture. It is located right on the grounds of Osaka Castle. People head over here to seek blessings from Hideyoshi, regarded as the most triumphant tycoon in Japan. They also see this shrine to pray for success in their careers.
Hours: 9 AM-5 PMAddress: 2-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo Ward, Osaka 540-0002, Japan
6. Tsuyunoten Shrine
Officially known as Tsuyunoten Shrine, but affectionately known as Ohatsu Tenjin, as its name implies, this shrine is not only a religious place of retreat, but also a romantic pilgrimage spot as well.
Situated at the heart of Osaka’s bustling Umeda neighborhood, the shrine came about following a tragic love story between a couple during the Edo period, which is reminiscent of “Romeo and Juliet.” Visitors who come here are witnesses to that romance that transcends tragedy and is a testament to loyalty. Unlike other shrines that close before sunset, this shrine can be visited until 11 p.m.
Hours: 6 AM-11 PMAddress: 2-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0057, Japan
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT TEMPLES IN OSAKA
7. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
There’s a lot of stories to tell about this shrine. Legend has it that the Imamiya Ebisu Shrine was constructed during Empress Suiko, who reigned from the sixth to seventh centuries and was the guardian of the Shitennoji Temple. Secondly, this shrine is also dedicated to a deity named Ebisu-gami. Like the Namba Yasaka Shrine, entrepreneurs also visit this shrine to seek success and guidance.
Hours: 9 AM-5 PMAddress: 1-6-10 Kita-ku, Kita Ward, Osaka 556-0003, Japan
There are not so many shrines in Osaka unlike in other Japanese cities since the temples here usually overpower them. However, visiting all those shrines listed above is like revisiting your school’s history professor and listening to those stories from the past again. What are you waiting for? Discover Japan now.
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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