Sumiyoshitasha Shrine

Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is the most famous shrine in Osaka. Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is famous for its distinctive Soribashi (Taikobashi) Bridge. Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is the most famous shrine in Osaka, not only because of its religous importance, but more for the shrines distinctive Soribashi (Taikobashi) Bridge. Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is the headquarter of some 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine has three shtrine buildings to enshrine the three gods that have long been worshiped for protecting the nation, for protecting sea voyages and for promoting waka (31-syllable) poetry. The main shrine building of Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is designed in the oldest style of shrine construction and is registered as a National Treasure. Soribashi (Taikobashi) Bridge The Soribashi Bridge (also known as Taikobashi) at Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine is probably more famous than the shrine itself. Soribashi is certainly more popular in pictures and is very distinctive, so it stays in peoples minds. Soribashi is mentioned in famous Japanese texts such as ‘Nihon Shoki’ (the Chronicles of Japan), in ‘Kojiki’ (Ancient Chronicles) and in ‘The Tale of Genji’. Soribashi Bridge is an arched Taiko-bashi style bridge, which appears to cross a river in front of the Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine complex. In reality it is linear pond, never the less, Soribashi symbolises the crossing of a body of water which is a spitiual cleaning process on the way to Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine. Soribashi is so distinctive because of its very extreme arch which creates a rainbow shape, again this is of spiritual significance as the ends of the rainbow are points of connection to the land of the living, but the arch of the rainbow is only a world for the gods. Soribashi Bridge has a maximum height of 4.4 metres which creates a maximum gradiant of a very steep 48 degrees. There is said to be spiritual significance in this very steep arch as it is better at cleaning or preventing of evil from entering Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine. Soribashi Bridge is said to have been constructed by Hideyori Toyotomi and the stone posts and braces are said to date from that time. The beautiful vermillion rails and wooden decking have been replaced many times, with last restoration being completed in 1981. Soribashi Bridge plays a key roll in Kangetsusai (full moon festival), held on the night of the mid-autumn full moon, when waka and haiku are composed on the bridge. Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi Access: 1 min walk from Sumiyoshitaisha Station (Nankai Line) Opening hours: 6am – 5pm, 7 days a week | | |