Namba Yasaka Shrine

難波八阪神社

Namba Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Namba area of Osaka, long worshipped as the guardian of the local district. The main building was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt after the war. Its most famous feature is a huge lion-head stage, about 12 meters high, with a wide open mouth. Every January the shrine also holds a traditional tug-of-war event.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Open 9:00–16:50; the gates are open 6:00–17:00.
Closed: Open all year round.
Admission: Admission is free.
Getting there: About 6 minutes on foot from Namba Station (all lines).

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

A tug-of-war event is held every year on the third Sunday of January.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The giant lion head (12 m high, 11 m wide) is a votive structure of the shrine. Visitors may simply look at it.
A tug-of-war ritual is held every year on the third Sunday of January.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Osaka and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.