Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of the Sumiyoshi Shrines, which number about 2,300 nationwide, and is located in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City. It is said to have been founded by Empress Jingu, and is one of Japan's oldest shrines with a history of about 1,800 years. The main deity is Sumiyoshi Okami, who is worshiped as the guardian deity of safe navigation, national protection, prosperity in business, industrial development, and waka poetry. In particular, it is deeply connected to commerce in Osaka, and many companies and business people come to worship at the shrine. The main hall is one of the oldest shrine architectural styles in Japan called "Sumiyoshi-zukuri" and is designated as a national treasure, and its linear and simple beauty is a must-see.

The symbol of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the "Sorihashi" bridge, commonly known as the "Taikobashi" bridge, which hangs at the entrance to the shrine grounds. This bridge, painted vermilion, has a high curve in the middle, and it is said that crossing it will purify your heart. From the bridge, the image of the shrine and the bridge reflected in the pond is beautiful, and it is also a popular photo spot. The grounds are vast, and there is a camphor tree that is hundreds of years old. There are many auxiliary and subordinate shrines scattered around, each of which has its own god that brings good fortune.

Various religious ceremonies and festivals are held throughout the year, and in January in particular, the shrine is very lively, with over 2 million visitors every year for the first time of the year. In addition, the Sumiyoshi Festival on July 31st is a traditional festival that marks the end of Osaka's summer, and the sight of a portable shrine being paraded across the sea is a majestic sight. Within the grounds, there is also a power spot where five stones called Godairiki (Five Great Powers) are collected, representing physical strength, intelligence, wealth, fortune, and longevity, and it is popular to collect these stones and use them as amulets.

By the way, Ikasuri Shrine is also known as Settsu Ichinomiya.

[Trivia]
The main hall of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is called "Sumiyoshi-zukuri" due to its unique architectural style, and is considered one of the most representative shrine architectural styles in Japan, along with Ise Jingu Shrine and Izumo Taisha Shrine. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is also worshiped as a god that protects the direction, and it is said that the square pillars protect the four directions.

[Hidden Spots]
・Godai Rikiishi (Five Great Power Stones): At a place called "Goshogozen" behind the main hall, if you find a small stone with the characters "5," "big," and "power" written on it and take it home as a talisman, it is said that you will be granted five powers: physical strength, intelligence, wealth, good fortune, and longevity.

・Tanekashisha (Senior Shrine): This is a sub-shrine known for its benefits in granting fertility and safe childbirth. It is especially popular with female worshippers.