Sumiyoshi Taisha

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If you're going to visit a shrine, why not a big one? Japan is full of shrines. It's easy to find the unique entrances of neighborhood shrines, and small shrines often nestled in alleys or corners are commonplace. Despite this, many Japanese don't just pass by; they stop to worship. In Korea, shrine visits are often associated with Yasukuni Shrine or politically altered Shinto news, carrying a mostly negative image. However, the religion based on shrines, Shinto, is a national religion integrated into the locals' daily lives and is similar to animism. Some shrines worship the sun god, while others might dedicate themselves to the moon, sea, rocks, ancestors, and surprisingly (?) tangible entities, sometimes praying for blessings unknowingly of what the shrine hosts. Shrines are not places of loyalty or belief to any specific deity but rather places to pray for personal well-being and fortune. To many Koreans and foreigners from predominantly Christian or non-religious backgrounds, such shrines are a fresh experience, making it worth a visit even if it's not on the tourist trail. If your travel plans include a shrine with 'Taisha' (大社) – indicating a major shrine in the region – in its name, it is highly recommended to visit. Taisha shrines, as the name suggests, are large, regional key shrines, quite different in scale from the smaller neighborhood ones. Sumiyoshi Taisha, in particular, is a bit away from main tourist attractions, filled with locals even on weekends. It's a place built in the pure Japanese architectural style before the influence of Korean, Chinese, and Buddhist cultures, treated as an important cultural property. There are only three shrines in the country including this, preserved in the architectural style of the 3rd century. Given its expansive scale, it takes over an hour to tour, so it's advisable for those who plan meticulously to take note. 📍 Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社) 🏷 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka 🕰 Daily 06:30 - 17:00 💴 Free admission