Sumiyoshi Taisha: Shrine that gets the most visitors during the New Year season in Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha was founded in the year 211 A.D., and is estimated to be one of the most ancient Shinto shrines.

Every year, just during the the three days of the New Year’s holiday, more than two million people visit here, so this is one of the most popular shrines in Osaka.

Sorihashi is a very famous bridge.
When you actually cross over it, you will be surprised by its slope.

The inside is very peaceful, with a sacred ambience.

Godairiki

Small flat stones have been spread about the building, and on a number of the stones have been written the various characters “go” (five), “dai” (great), and “riki” (power).

You can observe people who are searching for the stones with the characters written on them, but the stones with written characters are rare, so they cannot easily be found.

If you collect one of each of the three stones on which are written “go”, “dai“, and “riki“, then they will act as an amulet granting your request for one of the “Godairiki” (the five great powers, which are physical strength, intelligence, good fortune, wealth and longevity).

You should try to search for them patiently.

To get to Sumiyoshi Taisha is only a short sixteen minute ride from Tennoji Station on the Hankai Tramway.
It is a very mysterious place, with many highlights, so by all means you should try to go there!