Japan Osaka｜Sumiyoshi Taisha｜A Spiritual Journey with the Five Great Powers Prayer and Taiko Bridge

If you're visiting Osaka and looking to attract good fortune or achieve your goals, you absolutely cannot miss "Sumiyoshi Taisha"! With a history spanning 1,800 years, this shrine is the head shrine of over 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan. Crossing the "Sorihashi" (also known as Taiko Bridge), which symbolizes purification, is said to ward off misfortune. Within the shrine, "Gosho Gomae" is one of the most sacred spiritual spots. Legend has it that Empress Jingu saw three white herons here, inspiring her to build the shrine. Visitors can search for small stones inscribed with "Five," "Great," and "Power" at this location. Once collected, these stones are placed into a special amulet pouch, which is believed to grant five types of strength: physical power, intellectual power, financial power, fortune, and longevity. Other highlights include the "Omokaru Stone" divination, the "Tane Kaisha" shrine linked to the fairy tale of Issun Boshi, and a thousand-year-old camphor tree, all of which are must-see attractions. Address Sumiyoshi 2-9-89, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Transportation Guide • About a 3-minute walk from Nankai Main Line "Sumiyoshi Taisha Station" • Directly accessible from Hankai Tramway Hankai Line "Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station" Opening Hours • April–September: 6:00 AM–5:00 PM • October–March: 6:30 AM–5:00 PM (Amulet Distribution Office: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)