Echoes of Ancient Charm: The Tranquil Prayers at Sumiyoshi Taisha

#OsakaAttractions
In the early morning, I took the Nankai Electric Railway, passing through the city's hustle and bustle, arriving at Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka. The moment I stepped into the shrine grounds, I was captivated by the tranquility and solemnity here. Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan's oldest shrines, featuring the unique Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style, with vermilion torii gates contrasting beautifully against the lush green trees. I first purified my hands at the temizuya, feeling the inner calm brought by traditional rituals, then walked to the main hall to offer my prayers. The stone lanterns and moss-covered stone paths within the shrine added a touch of the passage of time. I paid special attention to the Soribashi (Taiko Bridge), an arched bridge spanning the pond like a rainbow, its reflection in the water creating a dreamlike scene. In the afternoon, I quietly sat by the pond, watching the koi fish swim leisurely, as if time itself slowed down. After the visit, I went to a nearby traditional tea house to enjoy a bowl of matcha and a serving of wagashi, perfectly concluding the day.

Post by Angrybird11 | Mar 15, 2025