Namba Yasaka Shrine | Review by Eddie

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.

9 Oct 2026 See More

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!

Other Reviews by Eddie

Marugame Castle

The 400-year old symbol of Marugame City is Hirayama Castle. It was built by a samurai, Ikoma Chikamasa, and his son, Kazumasa, over five years.
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When I arrived at Marugame Castle in Kagawa, the first thing that caught my eye was the stone walls. Walking slowly up the slope, the tall stone walls on both sides looked very imposing. The closer I got to the keep, the more I could feel the history of the castle.

Although Marugame Castle’s keep isn’t very large, it has retained its old wooden appearance. From the castle, you can also see the cityscape of Marugame. Compared with some crowded tourist attractions, I prefer places like this where you can walk around and take your time. There weren’t too many noisy crowds, so it was very pleasant to explore.

If you happen to be visiting Kagawa, consider setting aside some time to walk around Marugame Castle, see this historic castle with more than 400 years of history, and experience a different side of Japan.
Angel Road

Located in the southwest part of Shodoshima, "Angel Road" is a sandy path that appears twice a day at low tide, connecting four islands. It's a popular spot bustling with tourists, thanks to rumors that any two people walking hand-in-hand along the path will be blessed with happiness in the future. It's also frequently used as a filming location for movies and dramas.
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When I came to Shodoshima, I didn’t plan to visit many specific attractions. Instead, when I saw this view by the sea, I couldn’t help but stop and take a photo.

The water was very calm, and there wasn’t much in the distance, just a large rock sitting quietly in the sea. It didn’t look like anything special, but after standing there and looking at it for a while, I felt that this was what Shodoshima meant to me.

There was none of the bustle of a big city or the pressure of constantly rushing from place to place. Just walking along the shore and taking in the scenery was actually very relaxing.

Sometimes, the photos that stay with you from a trip aren’t necessarily of the most famous attractions, but scenes like this that make you think, “Oh, this looks really nice,” and take a picture. When you see them again after some time has passed, they still bring back memories of that trip.
Achi Shrine

Worshiping the “Three Goddesses of Munakata”, the god of the sea and transportation / trading safety, this shrine sits atop the summit Mt. Tsurugata Yama, which is a part of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki Beautiful Sight Quarter). The name “Achi”, is derived from the Achino-omi tribe who migrated from afar and lived in this space. The name of the shrine comes from the tribe as well.
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When I visited Kurashiki, I stopped by Achi Shrine after walking around the Bikan Historical Quarter. I originally thought it would be a quick visit, but first I had to climb a stretch of stairs, and the walk up was actually pretty tiring, haha.

But once I reached the top, it felt completely different from below. It suddenly became much quieter, and the area was surrounded by trees and traditional shrine buildings. As I walked around, I could also see the streets of Kurashiki from above, which was a different view from what I'd just seen in the old town.

I don't think Achi Shrine is especially grand, but it's a nice place to visit while you're in the area. If you're visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you can spend a little extra time walking up here to enjoy the breeze and take some photos, then slowly make your way back down. Overall, it felt quite relaxing.