Activities
Lions and Dragons at Yasaka Shrine
Bonson LamLike the Noh masks that have gone before us, the Namba Yasaka Shrine has been 500 years in the making. The lion may look frozen..
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is a unique and standout destination among Osaka’s sacred spots. Located in the Namba District, Namba Yasaka is famous for its impressive lion head-shaped building called Ema-Den, which measures 12-meters high by 11-meters wide! Ema-Den and the surrounding temple structures are all post-war reconstructions of the original buildings that were destroyed in air raids and fires in 1945.
Once you enter the relatively small shrine complex, you will come face-to-face with the fierce Ema-Den. The lion’s eyes, slightly tilted down, seem to stare right at you and its wide mouth reveals pointed teeth. Although the Ema-Den’s appearance is intimidating, its open jaw is meant to swallow evil spirits and leave you with good fortune. Ema-Den becomes even more menacing when the sun goes down and its eyes glow against the night. Why not visit this enormous lion head and let it gobble up your worries?
Aside from the lion head, Namba Yasaka Shrine is also a pleasant springtime spot thanks to its numerous cherry blossoms.
On the third Sunday of January, Namba Yasaka Shrine becomes home to the Tug-of-War ritual, which is an intangible folk cultural property of Osaka City. The Shinto event is a celebration of the Japanese myth of Susanoo-no-Mikoto who killed the serpent god Yamata-no-orochi and freed people from hardship.
Overview
Address
2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka (Map) (Directions)Price
Free
Phone Number
06-6641-1149Website
Access
Namba Yasaka Shrine is a 6-minute walk from Namba Station.
Related Articles
2 articles
8
Temples & Shrines
Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka
Gloria TicconiYasaka Shrine is a nice surprise, hidden in a busy metropolis like Osaka. It's an unusual shrine, maybe not easy to find without..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Near Namba Yasaka Shrine
Accommodation
Toyoko Inn Osaka Nanba
This clean simple budget hotel has everything you need to base your stay including free internet breakfast and coin operated laundry..
Accommodation
Fraser Residences
Clean, comfortable beds, elegant décor, close to public transport, helpful staff - The Fraser Residence has them all in spades.
Accommodation
Kaneyoshi Ryokan
The 60’s are now in the oh-so distant past but the essence of this magic era still remains. Surrounded by the modern neon glow..
6
Japanese
Where to Eat Wagashi in Osaka
When in Osaka, visit Namiyoshian to try their signature Mitarashi dango and other types of wagashi.
Cafe
Morinoya: Sendai Gyutan & Sake
Sizzle without the smoke at this cigarette free cafe in Namba, specialising in mainstream office worker fare, including beef tongue..
Food
Pastel Sweets Buffet 2021
Past EventDuring July and August, the Swissotel Nankai Osaka will be hosting their Pastel Sweets Buffet, which has been popular with visitors..
Culture
Hozenji Temple
Among the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s renowned shopping and foodie street, Dotonbori, lies a cobblestone alleyway, Hozenji Yokocho, that leads visitors..
Activities
Dotonbori
Dotonbori, located along the canal of the same name, is a street in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward that epitomizes the city’s nightlife...
Shopping
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market, or Kuromon Ichiba, is a staple destination among tourists and residents alike thanks to its abundance of fresh fish, meat, fruits, vegetables,..