Sumiyoshitaisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha was a neat attraction to see in Osaka. It’s their most famous shrine and the scenery here is beautiful. The signature bridge did not disappoint.

I’ve been to this shrine for several times. Among them the most impressed me was the arranged meeting event held about 20 years ago. At that time I worked for a certain electric company as a temporary staff in Osaka. The acquaintance (he is an employee of the head quarter) of my superior regularly hold arranged parties for unmarried men and women as a volunteer. He invited me to the party. I called my colleague to take part in the party together. It was held in January, so we paid first visit to the shrine (Hatsumoude) here.
We got on a trolley called Chinchin Densya and got off it at Sumiyoshi park station. It was at the end of January, and was not so crowded with prayers. We also prayed for good marriage cordially. The we were separated to be a couple of man and woman respectively and were taken a photograph in front of an elegantly arched bridge called Taikobashi. The picture reminded me of my youth days with nostalgia.
Later I married a man who was not a member of the arranged meeting. Thanks to various deities I worshipped.
Incidentally, this Sumiyoshi shrine enshrines a deity of marine. All the creatures were born in the water. So it protects marine voyage and industry such as diplomacy and trade.
Various events or festivals take place annually. I would like to come here in summer festival called Sumiyoshimatsuri. It has a meaning of purification to drive away evil spirits in whole Osaka. During the season Taikobashi is illuminated with lighting. I suppose it will be fantastic! I’ll come over with my husband.