20 Shrines in Osaka worth your time

A historic shrine on former castle grounds dedicated to Kusunoki Masashige, offering a peaceful mountain walk and local festival traditions.

What it is

• A shrine standing on the former site of the Chihaya Castle main enclosure.
• Dedicated to deities including Hachiman Daibosatsu and the warrior Kusunoki Masashige.
• The current shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1874.
• Also known by the name Kusunoki-sha and officially named Chihaya Shrine in 1879.

What to see

• Reconstructed shrine buildings dating back to the early Meiji period.
• The historic grounds of the former Chihaya Castle main enclosure.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the Sunday closest to May 25th.
• Local elementary students participate in a sports day during the May festival.

Getting there

• Accessible via bus from either Kawachinagano Station or Tondabayashi Station.
• A twenty minute walk from the Kongo-tozanguchi bus stop to the site.
• Paid parking is available near the Kongo-tozanguchi entrance for those driving.

Read more about Chihaya Shrine

An ancient Shinto shrine in Osaka featuring a rare 17th-century main hall and a history dating back to the 4th century.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine founded between the 4th and 5th centuries in Toyonaka City.
• The shrine enshrines the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto along with eight other deities.
• It served as a filming location for the television drama Teppan.
• Emperor Tenmu donated sacred treasures to this site in the year 684.

What to see

• The main hall rebuilt in 1652 is a designated National Important Cultural Property.
• Rare five-bay architecture known as Gokensha Nagare-zukuri style on the main hall.
• A stone torii gate standing at the entrance since 1688.
• Site where a bronze bell from the Yayoi period was excavated from the grounds.

When to go

• The annual Lion Ritual is performed as a municipal intangible folk cultural property.

Getting there

• The shrine grounds are a two-minute walk from Okamachi Station.

Read more about Harada Shrine

A historic shrine guarding Osaka Castle's demon gate, featuring a rare 17th-century main hall and unique ogre-themed rituals.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Sugawara no Michizane
• The historic guardian of the demon gate for Osaka Castle
• Formerly known as the Ichinomiya of the Katano District
• The main hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1602

What to see

• The main hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property
• South and East gates recognized as Osaka Prefectural Cultural Properties
• A stone lantern dating back to the Kamakura period
• Ogre symbols throughout the grounds serving as guardians
• A nearby burial mound for the historical figures Aterui and More

When to go

• The annual Setsubun festival featuring a unique 'Ogre inside' chant

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from Keihan Makino Station

Official site

www.katanojinja.com

Read more about Katano Shrine

A historic shrine in Takatsuki known for its ancient lineage, renovated buildings, and connection to the former Anko-ji temple complex.

What it is

• A historic site listed in the Engishiki Jinmeicho records from the early tenth century.
• Renamed Kamuhatori Shrine between 901 and 923 and formerly known as Shinpuku Shrine.
• Dedicated to the deities Hinohayahinomikoto, Maranosukune, and Susanoonomikoto.
• Managed by monks from Anko-ji Temple until the Meiji Restoration period.

What to see

• The main shrine buildings which underwent extensive renovation work completed in 2013.
• Branch shrines on the grounds dedicated to the deities Kasuga and Inari.
• Several local shrines that were merged into the site during the Meiji era.
• The nearby Anko-ji Temple which formerly served as the shrine's administrative temple.

Getting there

• The shrine is a three-minute walk from the Urado bus stop.

Read more about Kamuhatori Shrine

Sanabe Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to multiple deities, worth visiting for its historical significance.

What it is

• Ancient shrine in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Kasuga Okami and Emperor Ojin.
• Was the tutelary deity of five villages in Settsu Province.
• Lost historical records due to medieval floods and wars.

What to see

• Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• Sarutahiko Shrine, dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami.
• Konpira Shrine, dedicated to Omononushi-no-Mikoto.
• Inari Shrine, dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto.
• Tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.

When to go

• Sanabe Agricultural Museum is open on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk south from Hankyu Kyoto Line Ibarakishi Station.

Address

大阪府茨木市稲葉町16-26 Map

Read more about Sanabe Shrine

An ancient shrine in Osaka featuring a 17th-century main hall originally built for the prestigious Ikukunitama Shrine.

What it is

• An ancient shrine listed in the historical Engishiki Jinmyocho records.
• Dedicated to the deities Tatehayasusanoo no Mikoto and Amenokoyane no Mikoto.
• The current site was established in 1939 after moving from Nakamura village.
• Historically served the local area as a designated village shrine.

What to see

• The main building constructed by Katagiri Katsumoto in 1606.
• Architecture originally belonging to the famous Ikukunitama Shrine in Osaka.
• A main hall that underwent significant restoration work in 1979.
• A quiet precinct with no additional branch shrines on the grounds.

Getting there

• Located a fifteen minute walk from Ibarakishi Station.

Read more about Mure Shrine

Hattori Tenjin-gū is a shrine known for foot protection and unique cultural offerings.

What it is

• A shrine in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Known as the "god of feet" in Kansai.
• Dedicated to Sukunahikona no Mikoto and Sugawara no Michizane.
• Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined after his death.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1827.
• Zori-do hall with dedicated sandals, shoes, and canes.
• Three Sanga (mathematical tablets) designated by Toyonaka City.
• Fujiwara no Uona's grave is on the grounds.

When to go

• Toyonaka Ebisu Festival from January 9th to 11th.
• Ashi no Shugo Kigan Taisai on August 25th.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Hattori Tenjin Station.
• Hattori Tenjin Station is on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line.

Address

大阪府豊中市服部元町1丁目2-17 Map

Read more about Hattori Tenjin-gū

A historic shrine founded in 942 on former castle grounds, featuring a rare imperial portrait and a six-shrine pilgrimage route.

What it is

• Established in 942 and dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and Susanoo no Mikoto.
• The site is believed to be the former location of the Miyake clan castle.
• Part of the Kaiun Matsubara Six Shrine Pilgrimage in Osaka Prefecture.
• Formerly known as Miyake Tenmangu and once housed a temple called Miyake-ji.

What to see

• A statue of Sugawara no Michizane kept within the main hall.
• A portrait of Sugawara no Michizane painted by Emperor Goyozei.
• Sakaya Shrine which was moved to these grounds in 1907.
• Several subordinate shrines on the site including Amatsu Shrine.

Getting there

• Located a 21-minute walk from Kawachi-Matsubara Station.

Read more about Miyake Shrine (Matsubara)

A historic shrine in Habikino enshrining legendary figures and deities, relocated from an ancient burial mound after a major earthquake.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to Yamato Takeru, Susanoo no Mikoto, and Inada Hime no Mikoto.
• Originally located on the Shiratori Burial Mound and formerly known as Iki no Miya.
• Moved to its current location in 1784 after collapsing during the 1596 Keicho earthquake.
• A former village shrine that merged with Takaya Shrine in 1908.

What to see

• The primary sanctuary enshrining Emperor Ankan as a secondary deity.
• Architectural structures rebuilt following the relocation from the original burial mound site.

Getting there

• Located near Furuichi Station on the Kintetsu Railway line.
• A two minute walk from Furuichi Station in Habikino City.

Read more about Shiratori Shrine

Ancient shrine in Sakai City with historical legends and unique architecture, easily accessible by train.

What it is

• Originated in the mid-9th century.
• Dedicated to Hachiman Okami and other deities.
• Main deity is Homutawake no Mikoto.
• Legend of Empress Jingu and Minamoto no Yoshitsune visiting.

What to see

• Stone torii gate built in 1707.
• Stone lanterns with an inscription from 1706.
• Main hall in Gongen-zukuri style.
• Stone where Minamoto no Yoshitsune rested.
• Two large camphor trees are preserved.

When to go

• Annual festival on January 1.
• Annual festival on February 3.
• Annual festival on July 13.
• Annual festival on October 5.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Tsukunoo Station.
• Tsukunoo Station is on the Hanwa Line.

Address

大阪府堺市西区津久野町3-20-25 Map

Read more about Tsukuo Hachiman Shrine

A historic Osaka shrine dedicated to Emperor Kotoku, featuring reconstructed mid-century architecture and a sacred imperial stone.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Kotoku, Susanoo, and Emperor Ojin.
• Founded as a small shrine by Fujiwara Shigeharu between 990 and 995.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1872 after a major fire in 1772.
• The current shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1964.

What to see

• The main shrine buildings reconstructed in the mid-twentieth century.
• A sacred stone said to have served as Emperor Kotoku's footstool.
• Smaller shrines on the grounds including Kashima Shrine and Toyouke Taisha.
• Merged structures from Hachiman Shrine and Toshogu Shrine.

Getting there

• The site is a ten minute walk from Nakatsu Station in Osaka.

Read more about Toyosaki Shrine

Hoshida Shrine, a historic site in Katano, enshrines ancient deities and offers a peaceful visit.

What it is

• A village shrine in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Main deities are Sokotsutsunoo-no-mikoto, Nakatsutsunoo-no-mikoto, Omotetsutsunoo-no-mikoto, and Empress Jingu.
• Sumiyoshi four deities were enshrined between 1704 and 1711.
• A record from 1535 mentions Katano Daimyojin.

What to see

• A main hall, worship hall, and shrine office.
• Hojo-ike pond is on the grounds.
• Katano-sha enshrines Nigihayahi-no-mikoto, Susanoo-no-mikoto, and Ojin-tenno.
• Hachimansha was moved from Shinguyama.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on October 17th.

Getting there

• 18-minute walk from Hoshida Station on the JR Katamachi Line.

Address

大阪府交野市星田2丁目5-14 Map

Read more about Hoshida Shrine

Kashō Shrine is a historic Osaka shrine with a unique main hall and lively festivals.

What it is

• Dedicated to the deity Uke Mochi no Kami.
• Ranked as a village shrine in 1872.
• Merged with Kaijō and Kainan Shrines in 1908.

What to see

• Main hall is an Azuchi-Momoyama period building.
• Main hall is a tangible cultural property of Osaka Prefecture.
• Kaijō and Kainan Shrines are subsidiary shrines.
• A large camphor tree stands on the grounds.

When to go

• New Year's Festival is held on January 1st.
• Summer Festival is held on July 16th.
• Stop for Tajiri-chō's Danjiri Festival.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Yoshiminori Station.
• Take the Nankai Main Line to Yoshiminori Station.

Address

大阪府泉南郡田尻町大字嘉祥寺761 Map

Read more about Kashō Shrine

Osaka's Sukunahikona Shrine, founded by medicine wholesalers, offers unique history and a famous tiger amulet.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Sukunahikona-no-mikoto and Shinno Entei.
• Founded in 1780 by medicine wholesalers.
• Known as the patron shrine of medicine in Osaka.

What to see

• Main, offering, and worship halls are cultural properties.
• These three buildings were rebuilt in 1910.
• Shrine office was built in October 1980.
• Kusuri no Doshomachi Museum is on the grounds.
• Famous 'Hariko no Tora' (paper mache tiger) amulet.

When to go

• Shinno Festival is held on November 22nd and 23rd.
• Festival is known as Osaka's 'ending festival'.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from Kitahama Station.

Address

2丁目1番8号 Map

Official site

www.sinnosan.jp

Read more about Sukunahikona Shrine

A historic shrine founded as a temple in 746, offering a quiet spiritual stop near the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine originally founded as the temple Saikannon-ji in 746 by the monk Gyoki.
• Dedicated to the deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Emperor Shomu, and Emperor Gotoba.
• The site was officially renamed from a temple to Shio Shrine in 1872.
• It formerly held the rank of a village shrine within the Shimamoto area.

What to see

• The Onoue Shrine which stands as a sub-shrine within the main grounds.
• The historical site situated just north of the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery.

Getting there

• A ten minute walk from JR Yamazaki Station.
• A ten minute walk from Hankyu Oyamazaki Station.

Read more about Shīo Shrine (Shimamoto)

Ancient Hachimangu shrine in Osaka with significant cultural properties and unique offerings.

What it is

• Shrine in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Claims to be the oldest Hachimangu shrine.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Emperor Chuai.
• Part of the Kawachi Asuka Koshaji Reijo pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1606 by Toyotomi Hideyori.
• South Gate from former Nagano-san Gokoku-ji temple.
• National Treasure: Chiri-ji Raden Kondo-so Mikoshi.
• Important Cultural Properties include scrolls and masks.
• Enoki tree designated as a natural monument.
• Hojo Bridge is a city-designated tangible cultural property.

What to do

• Try "Hinomaru Omiki," which is red wine.

Address

大阪府羽曳野市誉田 Map

Official site

konda-hachimanguu.com

Read more about Konda Hachimangū

Onji Shrine, a historic site with unique divine messengers, offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese culture.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha) shrine.
• Considered the second shrine of Kawachi Province.
• Enshrines Omiketsuhiko Okami and Omiketsuhime Okami.
• Designated a Prefectural Shrine in 1912.

What to see

• The main hall consists of two buildings.
• Divine messengers are rabbits and dragons.
• The old location is the Tenno no Mori area.
• Tenno no Mori is the Onji archaeological site.
• Onji site is an Osaka Prefecture Historic Site.

When to go

• Utsutsumatsuri offering ritual is a folk cultural property.

Getting there

• From Onji Station, it is a 20-minute walk.

Address

大阪府八尾市恩智中町5丁目10番地 Map

Read more about Onji Shrine

Osaka Tenmangu is a historic Shinto shrine, home to one of Japan's great festivals.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Osaka dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.
• Founded in 949 by Emperor Murakami.
• Also known as Tenma Tenjin and Naniwa Kanbyō.

What to see

• Main hall and worship hall rebuilt in 1843.
• Kaguraden, Sanshūden, and Baikaden are cultural properties.
• Main hall and worship hall are Osaka City cultural properties.

When to go

• Tenjin Festival is held annually on July 24th and 25th.
• The Tenjin Festival is one of Japan's three great festivals.

Getting there

• Accessible from Osaka Tenmangu Station.
• Accessible from Minamimorimachi Station.

Official site

osakatemmangu.or.jp

Read more about Ōsaka Tenmangū

Toyonaka Inari Shrine is an ancient site with a rich history and seasonal festivals.

What it is

• A shrine in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Formal name is Inari Shrine.
• Established as a guardian deity for Kanjin-ji Temple.
• Enshrines Ukanomitama-no-kami, Amaterasu-sume-okami, Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto.

What to see

• The shrine was rebuilt in 1651.
• Haiden, heiden, and shamusho were renovated in 1970.
• Honden's ooi-den was newly constructed in 1970.
• Located on the site of the Inariyama Kofun.
• Sue ware coffins were excavated from the site.

When to go

• Spring festival is held on April 17.
• Summer festival is held on July 17.
• Autumn festival is held on October 17.

Address

大阪府豊中市本町7丁目3-7 Map

Read more about Toyonaka Inari Shrine

Sumiyoshi Shrine is a historic site in Kawachinagano, known for its unique architecture and horse racing ritual.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kawachinagano, Osaka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Sumiyoshi Okami, Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto, and Takenouchi no Sukune.
• Formerly held the shrine rank of Gosha.
• Aogahara Shrine merged with this shrine in 1904.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1813.
• Main hall built in the nagare-zukuri style.

When to go

• Uma Kake Shinji ritual held annually.
• Ritual takes place on Health and Sports Day.
• Ritual involves bareback horse racing.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Chiyoda Station.
• Chiyoda Station is on the Nankai Koya Line.

Address

大阪府河内長野市小山田町 34°27'14.1"N 135°33'11.1"E Map

Read more about Sumiyoshi Shrine, Kawachinagano