Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社)
Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社) is one of the most important shrines in Japan. This shrine was built in 211 and is the head shrine of 2,300 shrines where three gods called "Sumiyoshi sanshin (住吉三神)" are worshipped in. Suiyoshi sanshin are the gods of seas and journeys, so it is said that the gods bless visitors with safe journeys.
The unique style pf architecture, "Sumiyoshi-zukuri"
Beside, the main shrine is designated a national treasure because the shrine is constructed in an unique style of architecture called, "Sumiyoshi-zukiri (住吉造り)". This style is one of the oldest style as the shrine architecture, and characterized by straight roofs (commnly, roofs of other shrines are curved), and crosses of wood called "chigi (千木)" and ornamental wood billet called "katsuogi (鰹木)" on the roof.Also, this shrine has a famous bridge called "sorihashi (反橋)" that was modeled on the shape of the rainbow connecting the world of gods and that of humans.
"Soribashi" known as "Taikobashi (太鼓橋)"
Information
Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社)Regular Holiday: open 365 days
Business hours: 06:00-17:00 (Apr.-Sep.), 06:30-17:00 (Oct.-Mar.)
The nearest station: Sumiyoshitaisya station (Nankai railway, Nanlai main line)
Note: From 12/31 to 1/3, this shrine is very crowded because Japanese customary visit shrines and pray for a happy new year in the period. Therefore, it may take very long time to visit this shrine.