When I visit Japan, I don’t rush to see famous places and museums or to go shopping. Instead, I prefer to go to places where I can watch people and traditions. One of such places that I really enjoyed visiting was Sumiyoshi Taisha of Osaka.
Sumiyoshi Taisha is the main and most famous of over two thousand Sumiyoshi shrines found across Japan. Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine Kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen, and sailors at sea. Sumiyoshi Taisha of Osaka was founded in the 3rd century and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, that is why it is a very popular place to visit for special occasions like Hatsumode (first visit to a shrine on New Year), weddings, and “introducing” newborn babies.
I went to Sumiyoshi Taisha on one of the holidays in spring. The last part of my journey was by a very old train. At the entrance, I didn’t know that my visit would be very special. As I looked around and took photos, I noticed the arrival of many people with newborn babies, dressy kids, young girls, and at last, a few wedding groups! As I stood aside, I was able to watch a Shinto wedding ceremony and kids who were just being kids! It was a bright day and people were happy. My photos can pass the atmosphere better than words!
