Namba Yasaka Jinja

Religious spot

★ 4.9 (216K+ reviews) • 7M+ booked

Just a short walk from Nankai Station and the Namba Parks shopping complex in Osaka City's Naniwa-ku is Namba Yasaka Shrine. This shrine is home to the guardian deity of Namba and used to be part of a group of Buddhist temples destroyed during wartime air raids. Namba Yasaka Shrine is known for its lion-shaped stage, a unique sight amidst the surrounding temples. This special spot reflects Osaka's mix of tradition, retro styles, and modernity, right in the heart of the lively entertainment district. While cherry blossom trees bloom in spring around the shrine's grounds, the buildings you see today are post-war reconstructions, holding their charm and history in this intangible folk cultural property. Although the original buildings are gone, the shrine remains a strong force against evil spirits, bringing good luck and safety.

2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan

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4.9 /5

216K+ reviews

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Hafizah **********

1 Jul

easy to collect. i collect at the JR office at KIX station. just went to the counter and show the slip in my phone. i can also book the shinkansen for the dates the pass is active even before the pass was activated. i booked the pass to start on day 6 of my trip onwards. i get to ride the one piece shinkansen with it. A return day trip from shin osaka to takamatsu already worth the kansai wide area pass.

Louie *****************

1 Jul

Fast and Hassle-Free Travel from KIX to Namba! The most efficient way to reach our hotel in Namba from Kansai Airport was via the direct Nankai train to Namba Station—just a short walk to major attractions. Booking through Klook was simple, and there was no need to redeem at the Nankai Ticket Office—just book a prefered time online, follow the instruction, scan and go. Super convenient and highly recommended!

莊 **

1 Jul

The itinerary was well arranged, the pace was relaxed, not too rushed, and the overall experience was very relaxing. The attractions were well selected, the tour guide was friendly and explained clearly, the whole trip was very pleasant, and it is a recommended trip!

ChiYuen ***

1 Jul

This is second time I visited the Solaniwa Onsen. It's still a great place to spend an afternoon here and probably enjoying a cool nighttime here. The facilities are well equipped. The Yukatas with the place are very instagramable. The baths are excellent and so relaxing afterwards.

Klook User

1 Jul

This was a very fun experience. I was able to learn how to make nigiri as well as learn how to make the Californian roll. I 10/10 recommend to you if you love sushi and sashimi.

Janice ****

1 Jul

The 1 hour session was really worth the time and money! We learnt about history of Japan, food, got our hands sticky from mochi balls, photos and lots of fun and laughter. The team of ladies (Lena, Luna, Izumi and another lady sorry I forgot your name) were exceptional in their effort to present in spoke in English. Kudos 👏 I would definitely recommend this class to anyone visiting Dontonburi! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

Beku *****

1 Jul

It was a difficult course to see in one day, but thanks to the Rakuraku tour, I was able to see the places I wanted to see with ease. I took a lot of photos I liked and made happy memories, so it was a perfect day. The guide gave me various information about Japan while we were moving, and the photos he took for me while posing at the travel destinations... It was all great. The list of good restaurants, shopping lists, various discount coupons, and answers to my questions that he gave me when I returned to Osaka were also very helpful. If I go on a trip outside of Osaka, I will look for the Rakuraku tour again. This tour that allows you to see Nara Park, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera in one day~~~ Highly recommended. ^^ (Thank you, guide Leo!!! Thanks to you, it was an enjoyable tour.)

Zhi ****

1 Jul

Fresh and delicious all-you-can-eat Kuroge Wagyu beef! Great value for money. The service of the staff is also very friendly and great. Highly recommended!

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Must-visit attractions in Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka

Lion Head-Shaped Building

Shishiden, a 12-meter tall lion head-shaped building, is the main attraction at Namba Yasaka Shrine. Legend has it that the open mouth of the lion swallows evil spirits, bringing good luck for business and school endeavors.

Cherry Blossom Trees

During springtime, the shrine grounds come alive with the beauty of cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy a stroll amidst the blooming flowers, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.

Tug-of-War Ritual

Watch the impressive Tug-of-War ritual held on the third Sunday of January, commemorating the victory of the god Susano-ono-Mikoto over the serpent god Yamato-no-orochi. Join the festive atmosphere and experience a unique cultural tradition.

Tsunahiki Shingi Festival

The Tsunahiki Shingi Festival commemorates Susanoo-no-mikoto's victory over Yamata-no-orochi, where he saved the people. During the festival, an eight-headed and eight-tailed tug of war rope, resembling a serpent, is pulled in a direction symbolizing the year's blessings. Once the rope is tugged, it is presented before the deity, with people praying for blessings from the sea, rivers, mountains, and fields. They also seek stability in their livelihood, safety in their homes, and prosperity in their businesses.

Summer Festival, Funatogyo (Boat Procession)

The Summer Festival at Namba Yasaka Shrine is a lively event held on July 13 and 14. During this festival, you can enjoy colorful processions with portable shrines, carts, and drum performances in Sennichimae, Dotonbori, and Ebisubashi Suji. The festivities include traditional lion dances, music, and even rice cake pounding. One of the highlights is a fleet of around 20 boats cruising from Minatomachi landing to the Dotonbori River, bringing a joyful atmosphere to the streets of Osaka's Minami district.

Tips for Your Namba Yasaka Shrine Visit

When is the best time to visit Namba Yasaka Shrine?

For a lively experience, visit Namba Yasaka Jinja on the third Sunday of January to see the annual festival. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays are ideal. The shrine is open 24 hours a day, and spring's cherry blossom season is also a beautiful time to go.

How to get to Namba Yasaka Shrine?

Namba Yasaka Shrine is conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from Nankai Station and a six-minute walk from Namba Station. It's easily accessible by both subway and train, making it a hassle-free destination for travelers.

Namba Yasaka Jinja