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Namba Yasaka Shrine

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Namba Yasaka Shrine

This is a shrine with a lion-headed shrine pavilion that has a great impact, and is a shrine for improving one's luck in the game.

3.60 14

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Supervised by :  Namba Yasaka Shrine

”Namba Yasaka Shrine”, located in the Namba area of Minami in Osaka, is a historic shrine said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (313-399).

The first thing that catches the eye as one enters the shrine grounds is the "Shishiden" (lion's head hall), which stands to the west of the main hall. As the name suggests, the exterior is shaped like a lion's head. It was built in 1974 (Showa 49), when the main hall was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in an air raid in Osaka, in the motif of a lion dance that had been popular in the area since ancient times to ward off evil spirits, in order to "surprise Osaka people with something as a symbol of the shrine". The lion dance is 12 m high, 11 m wide, and 10 m deep, and can be seen from outside the torii gate on the east side of the shrine. It is said to increase one's luck to win, and visitors from all over Japan and abroad come to the shrine to pray for academic improvement, success in school, and prosperous business.

In addition to the lights in the eyes that light up during summer festivals and New Year's, the ceiling is hand-carved with phoenix carvings, each one with a different pattern. This is also a must-see.

Highlights

  • The shrine is said to be approximately 1,700 years old.
  • The shrine is famous for its Shishiden (lion's head hall), which was built in conjunction with the reconstruction of the main shrine building.
  • The 12-meter-high lion's head is a striking feature of the exterior of the shrine.
  • The shrine is believed to bring good luck in the game and attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad.

Photos

  • The phoenix carving in the lion's mouth is also a must-see.

    The phoenix carving in the lion's mouth is also a must-see.

  • The god of worship, Susanoo-no-mikoto's spirit is enshrined.

    The god of worship, Susanoo-no-mikoto's spirit is enshrined.

  • Main shrine

    Main shrine

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

English digital signage information and English brochures are available.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Not available.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
A

Yes.

Reviews

14

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Eddie
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    I came to Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka to see its famous giant lion-head hall, but unexpectedly happened upon a traditional festival being held that day. It was much livelier than usual. When I looked it up online later, I learned that the event is called the Tsunahiki Shinji, or Rope-Pulling Ritual, a traditional festival held annually at the shrine.

    This festival is connected to Japanese mythology and is mainly held to ward off misfortune, pray for peace and good fortune, and wish for a bountiful harvest and thriving businesses in the new year. The event includes a traditional tug-of-war ritual to pray for good luck, and it is said to be one of Osaka's most notable folk traditions.

    I came across it completely by chance and hadn't paid particular attention to event information before my trip. Only after looking it up afterward did I discover that it is held every year on the third Sunday of January. If you're planning to visit Osaka around that time, you might want to add Namba Yasaka Shrine to your itinerary. Besides seeing the famous lion-head hall, you may also get the chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the festival.

    Travel isn't just about sightseeing and enjoying good food. Sometimes, coming across a local traditional event like this can also be a very special experience. If you get the chance, take in the lively atmosphere and pray for yourself and your family, wishing for peace and good fortune every day of the new year!

  • BobbyJenny
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    Namba Yasaka Shrine is known for its huge lion head hall, and its appearance is truly striking. It symbolizes good fortune and protection from evil. The shrine has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and is full of character and cultural charm. It’s a popular place to visit in Osaka and a favorite photo spot.

  • 雨妤魚
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    I really wanted to come here, and I even kept asking the tour guide along the way. I just happened to run into a tour leader from Taiwan too lol.

    By the time I got there, the other gates had already been closed, and I was so sad... My cousin even laughed at me, and my mom told me to just give up.

    But!

    I wouldn’t give up, so I walked all around and finally managed to get in. There were only three minutes left before closing.

    I was just about to take pictures, but there was already an older staff member trying to usher people out.
    At that moment, an Indian family asked me to take a photo for them, and right after I finished, the staff member said no more photos...

    I really wanted to take pictures too... *sob*
    And I really wanted to buy an omamori.

    But thankfully, I did get to see it!
    And honestly, that already made me really happy at the time lol.

  • 金己田
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    If you’re talking about symbols of Osaka, besides Shinsaibashi, Namba Yasaka Shrine has to be up there!
    Tucked away in a quiet alley, that lion with its mouth wide open is seriously impressive. It’s said to ward off bad luck for people who’ve come from far away—then you can soak up a ton of good energy and head on to your next stop!

  • 李郁杰
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    Even more impressive in person than in photos. Really memorable.

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Details

Name in Japanese
難波八阪神社
Postal Code
556-0016
Address
2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
Telephone
06-6641-1149
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
6:00am - 5:00pm
*Award office (amulet, red seal, etc.) 9:00am - 4:50pm
Admission
Free
Access
1) 7-minute walk from JR Namba Station on JR Yamato Line
2) 8 min. walk from Nankai Main Line Namba Station
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa