Namba Yasaka Shrine

Reviews
Photo: Bonson Lam / JT

Namba Yasaka Shrine is a unique and standout destination among Osaka’s sacred spots. Located in the Namba District, Namba Yasaka is famous for its impressive lion head-shaped building called Ema-Den, which measures 12-meters high by 11-meters wide! Ema-Den and the surrounding temple structures are all post-war reconstructions of the original buildings that were destroyed in air raids and fires in 1945.

Overview

Address

2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka (Directions)

Price

Free entry

Phone Number

06-6641-1149

Access

Namba Yasaka Shrine is a 6-minute walk from Namba Station.

Related Articles

2 articles
Lions and Dragons at Yasaka Shrine
Activities

Lions and Dragons at Yasaka Shrine

Bonson Lam

Like the Noh masks that have gone before us, the Namba Yasaka Shrine has been 500 years in the making. The lion may look frozen in time, but when you view it from different angles, it looks animated, just like a Noh mask. When viewed from above, it looks menancing, with the eyebrows taking on a more sinister dimension. From below however, it could almost be benevolent, watching over the mere mortals below. This is one of the coolest and funkiest shrines in Japan.

Osaka 24.6k
Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka
Culture

Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka

Gloria Ticconi

Yasaka Shrine is a nice surprise, hidden in a busy metropolis like Osaka. It's an unusual shrine, maybe not easy to find without a map. The main attraction for visiting this Shrine is to see the face of the giant lion it hosts, a unique piece of architecture. The large statue, 12 meters tall, 7 meters wide and 7 meters wide, is believed to swallow malevolent spirits and attract good luck, especially for those looking to do well in school and business. Walking around the shrine you can find other small shrines, and little fox statues, associated with the kami Inari, who, in Shintoism, represents fertility, rice, success and agriculture.

Osaka 9.5k 1

Near Namba Yasaka Shrine

Toyoko Inn Osaka Nanba
Accommodation

Toyoko Inn Osaka Nanba

Bonson Lam

This clean simple budget hotel has everything you need to base your stay including free internet breakfast and coin operated laundry

Osaka 9.7k 2
Fraser Residences
Accommodation

Fraser Residences

Bonson Lam

Clean, comfortable beds, elegant décor, close to public transport, helpful staff - The Fraser Residence has them all in spades.

Osaka 9.7k
Kaneyoshi Ryokan
Accommodation

Kaneyoshi Ryokan

John Carter

The 60’s are now in the oh-so distant past but the essence of this magic era still remains. Surrounded by the modern neon glow of Soemon-cho, Kaneyoshi Ryokan hotel continues this time warp.

Osaka 8.7k
Pastel Sweets Buffet 2021
Food

Pastel Sweets Buffet 2021

Kim Bergström

During July and August, the Swissotel Nankai Osaka will be hosting their Pastel Sweets Buffet, which has been popular with visitors since it started back in 2019. Over 20 different sweets are on offer at the event.

Osaka 1.4k 2
Hozenji Temple
Culture

Hozenji Temple

Among the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s renowned shopping and foodie street, Dotonbori, lies a cobblestone alleyway, Hozenji Yokocho, that leads visitors into old Japan. On the far western end of the alley stands the small, yet locally cherished Hozenji Temple. This Buddhist temple, built in 1637, is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the five wisdom kings. During the 17th century, the temple played host to rakugo storytelling and stage performances in the up-and-coming entertainment district. What Hozenji lacks in space, it makes up for in ambience. Follow cobblestone streets past traditional storefronts to reach the modest temple. If you visit during the early morning, evening, or night, your journey will be bathed in the warm glow of lantern light. Once you reach Hozenji, pass under the entrance into the covered area and approach the principal object of worship, the Fudo Myoo statue, which has a bowl and ladle in front of it. It is customary to ladle water onto the statue when you pray for good luck, thus earning the statue the nickname Mizukake (water-throwing) Fudo. Due to years of prayer, the statue has become perpetually covered in moss, giving it a mystical aura. After praying to Fudo Myoo, enjoy the culture of the area by exploring Hozenji Yokocho’s okonomiyaki shops, izakayas, and multitude of restaurants. For a more high-energy experience, take a short walk to flashy Dotonbori and fill your night with street food, bar hopping, neon lights, and more.

Osaka 0.9km away
Dotonbori
Activities

Dotonbori

Dotonbori, located along the canal of the same name, is a street in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward that epitomizes the city’s nightlife. The colorful area is an explosion of neon lights, mouth watering street food, retro vibes, clubs, stores, and bars. A popular saying associated with the street is kuidaore, which roughly means to go bankrupt after spending an enormous amount of money on food. To experience the essence kuidaore (responsibly, of course) be sure to check out this renowned partying spot and lose yourself in the contagious energy! Roots in the 1600s The historic street started in the 1620s as a theater district with kabuki and bunraku (puppet) establishments along the canal. Over the years, many theaters closed as people lost interest in the traditional arts, and unfortunately, most of the remaining theaters were destroyed in bombing raids during WWII. Today, Shochiku-za Theater stands as the only reminder of the street’s theater roots. Today Today, Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s top tourist destinations. When the sun goes down, flashy neon advertisements light up along the canal and streets. The rainbow of colors illuminates the night air, creating an exciting atmosphere that matches Dotonbori’s offerings. Walk along the bustling street and lose yourself in the tantalizing food smells, energetic chatter, and hypnotizing sights. Embrace Kuidaore Food Culture With a phrase like kuidaore associated with the street, there is no doubt that Dotonbori takes its food culture seriously. The street is one of the best places to experience Osaka cuisine, and the area’s flamboyant restaurants themselves are a feast for the eyes. You will need multiple nights to enjoy all of the street’s wonders! For a personalized and unforgettable experience, book a food tour with a local who can guide you through the best spots. Discover Dotonbori's top restaurants. See the Sights! After, while, or before you eat, explore the vibrant area. Seemingly every spot of the street is filled with dazzling lights, historic vibes, and unique charm. Listed below are some of Dotonbori’s staple destinations. Though be sure to explore off of the beaten path and discover the street’s many wonders yourself!

Osaka 0.9km away
Kuromon Market
Shopping

Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market, or Kuromon Ichiba, is a staple destination among tourists and residents alike thanks to its abundance of fresh fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, sweets, clothes, and household/ miscellaneous items. The over 170-year old shopping street extends 580-meters long and is home to approximately 150 shops. Peruse large, commercialized shops alongside mom-and-pop spots and immerse yourself in the preserved food culture of Osaka. The lively atmosphere of shoppers, street food vendors, and tantalizing aromas will make for an unforgettable shopping experience. The historic market, officially established in 1902 with the name Enmyoji Ichiba, quickly gained the nickname Kuromon Ichiba, which translates to Black Gate Market, due to the nearby Enmyoji Temple’s renowned black-painted gate. Although the temple was completely destroyed by fire in the early 20th century, the market’s name still persists today. Although Kuromon Market has become a popular tourist destination, it still retains an authentic feel thanks to its local shoppers, cultural offerings, and down-to-earth vibes. The street is full of exciting finds, so be sure to explore them all! Pick up some preserved and pickled vegetables, wasabi root, bamboo shoots, wagyu beef, fugu (blowfish), strawberry daifuku (mochi covered strawberries), anime merchandise, or second-hand kimonos, to name a few. Given that you are surrounded by food, why not try some as well? Thankfully, the market is a hotspot for street food and quick bites on the go. Try some takoyaki, grilled scallops, sushi, oden (assortment of meat skewers, meatballs, fishcake, and daikon radish in a light soy-flavored dashi broth), kushisei (deep-fried meat skewers), okonomiyaki, fresh fruit juice, and so much more. Make sure you come to the market hungry and enjoy Osaka’s cuisine! As you explore the market please be mindful of your trash and support the cleanliness of the area. Towards the southern end of the market is the Kuromon Information Center. The center is a wonderful place to unwind after hours of walking and offers a seating area, toilets, a diaper changing table, a baggage counter, a currency exchange machine, and Chinese- and English-speaking staff onsite.

Osaka 1km away
Explore Osaka