Namba Yasaka Shrine
難波八阪神社
A shrine famed for its giant lion-head stage, about 12 meters tall with a gaping mouth, said to “swallow misfortune,” within walking distance of Namba.
Namba Yasaka Shrine is the guardian shrine of the Namba area. Its most striking feature is the “Lion Hall”: a huge lion-head stage about 12 meters high and 11 meters wide, whose open mouth symbolizes swallowing evil spirits and welcoming good fortune. In recent years it has become a popular photo spot in Osaka, especially among people praying for exam success or business luck. The shrine is small, and a visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Admission to the grounds is free, and it is open roughly 6:00 to 17:00. It is about 6 to 7 minutes on foot from Namba Station or Daikokuchō Station on the subway, so you can easily stop by before or after Dotonbori or Namba.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–17:00 (free entry within the precincts)
Nearby sights
- Namba Grand Kagetsu
- Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
- Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
- Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Amerikamura
- Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku
- Tennoji Park & Tennoji Zoo
- Shitennō-ji