Doesn’t it strike you as a bit odd, a giant lion’s head smack dab in the middle of Osaka? That’s Namba Yasaka Shrine for you. This isn’t just any shrine. Namba Yasaka Shrine is one of Osaka’s most distinctive places of worship. It offers a nice escape from the consumerist chaos.
Namba Yasaka Shrine has a long history. It dates back to the 4th century. Legend says a deity told Emperor Ojin to build a shrine here. The shrine was for Susanoo no Mikoto. He is a god of war and prosperity. Originally, it was called Ikutama Shrine. Later, it became Namba Yasaka Shrine.
Let’s talk about that lion head. It stands 12 meters tall. It is 11 meters wide. This building is the main attraction. The lion’s mouth is wide open. It swallows evil spirits. People come here seeking good luck. They want success in business and school. Many visit during exam time. Others come at the start or end of the financial year.
The shrine fell into decline after being destroyed by fire during war. The current main building was rebuilt after the war. The lion head hall is particularly eye-catching. It was designated as an intangible folk cultural property. This was a first for Osaka City.
If you visit Namba Yasaka Shrine on the third Sunday of January, you’re in for a treat. You’ll see a giant Tug-of-War Ritual. It celebrates Susano-ono-Mikoto. He killed the serpent god Yamato-no-orochi. This freed the Japanese people from hardship.
Namba Yasaka Shrine once prospered with seven buildings and twelve sub-temples. After the Meiji Restoration, the temple was abolished. This was due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The main building burned down in an air raid in 1945.
Namba Yasaka Shrine is more than just a pretty face, or a big mouth. It’s a place where tradition and hope meet. It’s where you can cast off bad luck. You can embrace the possibility of a brighter future. So, take a moment to appreciate this unique landmark. Let the lion swallow your worries. Step forward with renewed energy.