Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most historically significant Shinto shrines in Japan, with origins dating back to the third century. The shrine enshrines the three Sumiyoshi deities, patron gods of seafarers and the sea, as well as Empress Jingu. Its four main halls are built in the Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, one of the oldest forms of shrine architecture predating the influence of continental Asian building techniques. The vermillion-painted Taikobashi, a steeply arched drum bridge spanning the shrine's pond, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Osaka. The expansive grounds are home to over 600 stone lanterns donated by worshippers over the centuries, and the shrine hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Sumiyoshi Matsuri in late July.