Sumiyoshi Taisha

Lonely Planet review

This shrine is dedicated to Shintō deities associated with the sea and sea travel, in commemoration of a safe passage to Korea by a 3rd-century empress. Having survived the bombing in WWII, they offer a rare opportunity to see a Shintō shrine that predates the influence of Chinese Buddhist architectural styles.

The shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and the buildings that can be seen today are faithful replicas of the originals. The main buildings are roofed with a kind of thatch rather than the tiles used on most later shrines.

Other interesting features are a collection of more than 700 stone lanterns donated by seafarers and business people, a stone stage for performances of bugaku and court dancing and the attractive Taikobashi, an arched bridge set in a park.