07/01/2025
ENSOKU 遠足 JANUARY 8th
Hello everyone,
We will be going on a Hatsumode to Sumiyoshi Taisha on January 8th. Hatsumode is a New Year tradition in Japan where people give thanks for the previous year and pray for good luck in the upcoming year. We hope this brief introduction will help you have a great experience with this traditional activity in Japan.
Let’s talk about Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi Taisha, affectionately called "Sumiyossan" (すみよっさん) by the people of Osaka, has a history of over 1,800 years. This shrine is the leading authority among the approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines across the country, meaning it is the "head shrine" of all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan.
At Sumiyoshi shrines, people pray to the Sumiyoshi Daijin. Sumiyoshi Daijin refers to three deities: Sototsu-no-Mikoto, Nakatsutsu-no-Mikoto, and Omotetsutsu-no-Mikoto. The main hall, which is designated as a national treasure, has four sanctuaries (Daiichi Hongu, Daini Hongu, Daisan Hongu, Daiyon Hongu), and its architectural style is called "Sumiyoshi-zukuri." The direction of the main hall facing Osaka Bay (to the west) might be related to the fact that Sumiyoshi Daijin is considered the god of "safe voyages."
Speaking of Sumiyoshi Taisha, many people mention the "Taiko Bridge." The arched bridge along the approach is called the "Taiko Bridge." It is illuminated at night and has been chosen as one of the "100 Best Night Views in Kansai." The stone bridge piers were donated by Yodo-dono during the Keicho era. The stone lanterns, donated in 1840, were provided by Osaka's lumber association. They radiate an imposing aura. If you choose the right angle and look from a distance, you can see a perfect reflection of the bridge on the green lake water.
Our recommendation
While Sumiyoshi Taisha has many notable features, we’d like to recommend the following activities for a short visit. After praying in front of the four sanctuaries (Daiichi Hongu, Daini Hongu, Daisan Hongu, Daiyon Hongu), you can explore Gosho Gozen, a place where you can find your luck for the entire year.
"Gosho-gozen," located next to Daiichi Hongu, is a place where you can create your own "Five Great Powers" stone charm. A cedar tree standing gracefully among the small stones within the stone fence is particularly striking. Around 211 AD, when Empress Jingu was searching for a place to enshrine Sumiyoshi Daijin, three white herons alighted on this cedar tree, and thus the shrine was established here. Many small stones, with the characters "Five" (五), "Great" (大), and "Power" (力) written in ink, are scattered within the stone fence. It is said that by obtaining a set of these "Five Great Powers" stones as a charm, one will be granted longevity, strength, fortune, health, wisdom, and wealth.
Inside the stone fence, there are quite a few small "Five Great Powers" stones, but if you focus on finding them, you may discover the perfect ones, bringing you a year filled with luck and wishes granted. Once you find your "Five Great Powers" stone, you can place it in a protective pouch. You can get one from the Shrine Office or from the nearby "Nankun Sha" near Gosho-gozen.
Please keep in mind that the "Five Great Powers" charm has a special custom: when your wish is granted, you should write "Five," "Great," and "Power" on the stones you find locally and return them to Gosho-gozen as a "double return" offering. This practice stems from the belief among Osaka merchants that once you pray and borrow the luck from the deities, you need to repay it with interest. 😊
Other things you can explore in Sumiyoshi Taisha
"Hattatsu-san," also known as "Hatsutatsu-mairi ("First Tatsu Day Pilgrimage"). "Hatsutatsu refers to the first "tatsu" (Dragon) day of each month based on the Chinese zodiac. It is said that by visiting the four subsidiary shrines of Sumiyoshi Taisha on this day, you can receive greater divine power. This ritual is highly favored by merchants from Osaka. Originally, "hattatsu" (発達) means "development," which sounds similar to "Hatsutatsu" (初辰). It is said that if you visit for four consecutive years, completing a visit on the first "tatsu" day of each month, you will fulfill your wishes, especially regarding business and career luck.
On Hatsutatsu day, you can receive the "O-tanezane" (sacred coins) at "Tanekashi Sha," or try your luck at "Otoshi Shrine" by lifting one of three stones while making a wish, to see if it comes true. There's also the "Nankun Shrine" with its many lucky cats.
When you have time, let make sure to explore every corner of Sumiyoshi Taisha.
Let us know about your feelings after visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha and share with us your great photos. We wish you all a very Happy New Year!
https://www.sumiyosh*taisha.net/worship/hattatu.html
