Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)

Located in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, this ancient shrine has long been revered as the first shrine of Settsu Province. The enshrined deities are the three Sumiyoshi deities—Sotatsu-no-Oto-no-Mikoto, Nakatsu-no-Oto-no-Mikoto, and Utsutsu-no-Oto-no-Mikoto—and Empress Jingū. Legend holds that the shrine was founded in the 11th year of Empress Jingū's regency (traditionally dated to 211 CE) upon her return from the expedition to the Three Kingdoms of Korea, following a divine oracle from the three Sumiyoshi deities. It serves as the head shrine for approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide. The four main halls (honden) are built in the 'Sumiyoshi-zukuri' style, the oldest shrine architectural style dating back to the Asuka period, and all are designated as National Treasures. The vermilion-painted drum bridge (gyaku-bashi) spanning the approach is one of Osaka's iconic landscapes. Historically worshipped as a deity protecting navigation and performing purification rituals, as well as the deity of waka poetry, it is one of the top spots for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) in the Kansai region, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.