Sumiyoshi-Taisha, Osaka

Sumiyoshi-Taisha, also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka. It serves as the head shrine for all Sumiyoshi shrines across the country. Despite its prominence, it is important to note that the oldest shrine dedicated to the Sumiyoshi sanjin-the three Sumiyoshi deities-is the Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata.

Locally referred to as Sumiyoshi-san or Sumiyossan, Sumiyoshi-Taisha is especially renowned for the large number of visitors it attracts during the New Year's Day celebration of hatsumōde. This event marks the first shrine visit of the year, a practice steeped in significance and tradition in Japanese culture.

Sumiyoshi-Taisha is also famous for its distinctive architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is characterized by straight roofs with horizontal beams, a style unique to ancient Shinto architecture and unrelated to the influence of Buddhism that affected many other styles in Japan.

The historical significance of Sumiyoshi-Taisha was further cemented during the Heian period when it received Imperial patronage. In 965, Emperor Murakami decreed that Imperial messengers would deliver reports of important events to the guardian kami of Japan, with Sumiyoshi-Taisha being one of the 16 shrines to receive these ritual offerings.

In addition, the shrine was designated as the chief Shinto shrine, for the former Settsu Province, underscoring its preeminent status in the region. From 1871 through 1946, it was recognized as one of the Kanpei-Taisha, placing it in the first rank of government-supported shrines during that period. This designation highlights its crucial role in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Japan.