Detailed explanation of the history and overview of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

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　table of contents

1. Overview of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
2. History of Sumiyoshi Taisha
3. Highlights of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
   

Introduction

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, has deep historical and cultural significance, and occupies an important place in Japanese Shintoism. This shrine is located in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, and has been worshiped as a guardian deity of maritime transportation since ancient times. There are many sights to see, such as the main shrine with its unique Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style and the sacred throne stone, which pass down history and tradition to this day.

In this article, we will introduce the overview, history, and highlights of Sumiyoshi Taisha in detail. We hope that through this information you will deepen your understanding of the charm of Sumiyoshi Taisha and its cultural background.

1. Overview of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine 

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is the head shrine of over 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide. It is the most famous shrine in Osaka for New Year’s visits, and is nicknamed “Sumiyossan.”

This shrine is said to have been built by Empress Jingu in 211, and is dedicated to the three Sumiyoshi gods (Sokozutsuno-no-Mikoto, Nakazutsuno-no-Mikoto, Nakazutsuno-no-Mikoto, and Omotestsuno-no-Mikoto), who are the gods of the sea. These gods were considered to be the guardian deities of the sea, and many sailors and fishermen visited to pray for safety at sea.There is a legend that Empress Jingu enshrined it at sea when she returned from the Sanhan Conquest. The shrine is said to have been founded in 211 AD, and has been an important place of worship visited by many worshipers from ancient times to the present.

It is known for its unique architectural style, Sumiyoshi-zukuri. This style is unique among Japanese shrine architecture, and is characterized by its linear and simple design. The main shrine consists of four buildings, each dedicated to the three Sumiyoshi gods and Empress Jingu. These buildings have been designated as national treasures and occupy an important position in the history of Japanese architecture.

The precincts are vast and dotted with beautiful gardens and ponds. In particular, the taiko bridge called “Soribashi” is a symbolic structure of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and is a spot where many tourists take pictures.It is said to be a symbol of worshipers brushing off dirt so that they can worship with a pure heart. This bridge is famous for being featured in Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata’s novel “Sorihashi.”

Various festivals and events are held throughout the year. Particularly famous are the New Year’s visit in January and the Sumiyoshi Festival, which is held from July 30th to August 1st. The Sumiyoshi Festival is an annual festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and it is crowded with many worshipers, with a large-scale mikoshi passing and bugaku performances. Additionally, the Unoha Shinto ritual held every May is an important ritual that has continued since ancient times, allowing you to feel the history and tradition of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

2. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrinehistory of 

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine continues to be an important presence in Japanese Shintoism due to its long history and cultural significance. Below, we introduce the major events by year.

　■ Founding and Legend (211)

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, dating back to 211 AD. According to legend, it was built by Empress Jingu to enshrine the three Sumiyoshi deities (Omotezutsuo-no-Mikoto, Nakazutsuo-no-Mikoto, and Sokotsutsuo-no-Mikoto) after returning from the Korean expedition. These gods are known as guardian deities of maritime traffic, and have been worshiped by many people who wish for safe navigation.

　■ Development and influence of the Middle Ages (8th century to 16th century)

In the Middle Ages, Sumiyoshi Taisha influenced many literary works and poems. In Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji, part of the story is set at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Also, in the Japanese folktale “Issunboshi”, there is a scene where the main character prays at this shrine before departing on a journey. The scenery of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is frequently depicted in Japanese art as “white sand and green pine trees” and has become a symbol of Japanese culture.

　■ Prosperity of the Edo period (17th century to 19th century)

During the Edo period, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine played a major role as the center of the local community. During this period, Sumiyoshi Taisha functioned as a major religious facility that attracted many worshipers, and restoration and reconstruction of the shrine were actively carried out. During the Edo period, Sumiyoshi Taisha established itself as the headquarters of all Sumiyoshi shrines across the country and came to be widely recognized as a particularly important shrine. The beautiful scenery of Sumiyoshi Taisha’s “white sand and blue pine trees” was often depicted in art and poetry of the time, and it had a strong cultural influence.

　■ Modern reconstruction and preservation activities (20th century to present day)

After the Meiji Restoration, Sumiyoshi Taisha was designated as a government-sponsored shrine in 1871 and received protection from the state. During the modernization process, Sumiyoshi Taisha’s architectural style, Sumiyoshi-zukuri, was reevaluated for its unique design, and the entire shrine was designated as a national important cultural property. This preservation activity plays an important role in protecting traditional Japanese shrine architecture and passing it on to future generations. Even today, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a cultural icon of Osaka City, where many festivals and events are held, and it attracts many worshipers and tourists.

3. Highlights of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine 

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a shrine that represents Osaka, which is dotted with many attractive spots. Below are some highlights of particular note.

　■ Sorihashi (Taikobashi)

Sorihashiis a symbolic structure of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and its red arch creates a beautiful scenery. This bridge is extremely steep, with a maximum slope of approximately 48 degrees, and is believed to have the effect of purifying the mind and body when pedestrians cross it as a kind of ritual. Because of the steep slope, it is sometimes said that going down is more scary than going up.

Sorihashi is also called “Taikobashi,” and its name comes from the arch’s shape reflected in the water, which resembles a drum. On clear days, the bridge is beautifully reflected on the water, creating a symmetrical appearance.

　■ Main shrine built in Sumiyoshi style

The main shrines of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine are built in a unique architectural style called “Sumiyoshi-zukuri”, which is one of the oldest styles in the history of shrine architecture, and the main shrines of all four shrines have been designated as national treasures. The Sumiyoshi-zukuri style is characterized by its straight roof and wide pillars, and the wide spacing between the pillars creates an open and well-ventilated space inside. The roof is thatched and natural materials are used throughout the building, creating a warm atmosphere.

The roof of the main hall is decorated with two vertical wooden decorations called “Chigi” and horizontally placed “Katsuogi”, which are symbolic decorations of Shinto architecture. Additionally, the main hall is supported by four ridge beams, giving the building a sense of stability.

　■ Gosho Gozen

Gosho Gozen is one of the most sacred places in Sumiyoshi Taisha, and there is a special stone called the “Five Power Stones.” There are small stones with the letters “Five”, “Dai”, and “Power” written on them scattered around this place, and it is believed that by picking up these stones and using them as amulets, you will receive the five powers of physical strength, intellect, wealth, good fortune, and longevity.

Worshipers make wishes and take the stones home and cherish them as talismans. When a wish comes true, it is customary to double the stone and return it as a token of gratitude. This return stone is called the “Gratitude Pebble” and can be requested at the Amulet Awarding Office. Gosho Gozen is said to be the first place where Sumiyoshi Okami was enshrined, and its historical value is extremely high.

　■ Omokaru stone

Omokaru-ishi is a spiritual stone located within the precincts of Otoshi Shrine, and is known to predict whether your wishes will come true or not. This stone is one of the popular spots at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. This method of fortune-telling involves first praying (two bows, two claps, one bow), then lifting the stone and checking its weight. Next, place your hand on the stone, make a wish, and lift the stone again. It is said that if the stone feels lighter when you lift it the second time, your wish will come true.

There are three Omokaru stones in total, and you can either make a wish on one stone and use it for fortune-telling, or you can try all three for the “third time honesty.”

　■ Sumiyoshi Festival

Source: Sumiyoshi Taisha official website

Various festivals are held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine throughout the year, but the most famous one is the Sumiyoshi Festival. This festival is held from July 30th to August 1st every year, with a special purification ceremony called “Nagoshi no Harae” held on July 31st. During the ceremony, it is believed that bad luck is exorcised by passing through a large grass ring. On August 1st, the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine) is carried out from Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine to Shukuin Shrine in Sakai City. This festival is an important event that symbolizes the culture and history of the region.

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 Finally 

Sumiyoshi Taisha is an important shrine in Japan with a long history and unique culture. From ancient times to the present day, many worshipers have visited this shrine, worshiping it as a guardian deity of maritime transportation. Iconic spots such as the Sorihashi Bridge, the Sumiyoshi-zukuri Main Shrine, Gosho Gozen and Goza-no-Ishi leave a deep impression on visitors and tell the story of Sumiyoshi Taisha’s rich history and tradition.

The experience of deeply understanding the charm of this shrine and praying quietly in a sacred space is sure to be a special experience for visitors. Please visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine once and feel its charm.