Hanging wooden ema boards with written wishes at Kasuga-taisha in Nara, Japan.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

住吉大社

Sumiyoshi, Osaka · 大阪

One of the country’s oldest shrines, predating Chinese architectural influence, with four halls in the unadorned sumiyoshi-zukuri style and a famously steep arched bridge.

Why it’s worth it

The Sorihashi bridge is almost too steep to walk and crossing it is considered a purification. Reached by the old Hankai tram, which is half the pleasure.

CategoryCulture

AreaSumiyoshi

Hours06:00–17:00

arched bridgesumiyoshi-zukuriancient

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