Namba Shrine
Midosuji is the largest and busiest street in Osaka City, bustling with millions of travelers each day. Nestled quietly among the tall buildings lining the street are three small shrines: Namba, Goryo, and Ikasuri Shrine. Despite their modest size today, these shrines date back to antiquity and were popular for centuries. They have silently witnessed Osaka’s transformation from a small fishing town to the second-largest city in Japan.
Midosuji’s Shrines: Namba Shrine
The most famous shrine of Midoshuji is Namba Shrine. It was built by Emperor Hanzei around the 4th century to honor his father, the late Emperor Nintoku. Originally located on the outskirts of Osaka City, the shrine was relocated by Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Later, the shrine added Susano-o to its list of deities.
Protected by Hideyoshi, Namba Shrine grew, but in the Edo Period, the government confiscated most of the shrine’s land. It shrunk further in the fires of WWII. While it is not that big today, considering it is in the middle of Osaka where land is very valuable, it’s actually quite large.
Near the entrance of the shrine, you will notice a big tree. This tree is the oldest in Osaka City. It is more than 400 years old. Some people even touch this tree to absorb the power out of it.
During July 20th-21st is the popular Himuro Festival.
During the festival, the shrine will chip pieces of ice from a large block and hand them out to festivalgoers. If you eat the ice, you will be free from sick for the rest of the summer.
Bakuro Inari Shrine
On the shrine grounds is a little shrine; Bakuro Inari Shrine. This shrine is quite popular and many businessmen stop here and pray for business success.
Bunrakuken
Namba Shrine also has the honor of being the origin of bunraku, Japanese puppet theater.
In 1805, Uemura Bunrakuken from Awaji Island built a puppet theater in this shrine. From that small stage, he crafted the art of Bunraku along with his troop.
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