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Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Namba Yasaka Jinja: The Lion Shrine of Osaka
Visit Osaka's Namba Yasaka Jinja, a Shinto shrine with a unique lion head stage that wards off evil and brings good fortune.
Namba Yasaka Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Osaka, Japan, famous for its giant lion head-shaped stage. The shrine's unique architecture and cultural significance make it a must-see destination. Visitors come to admire the impressive lion head, believed to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Namba Yasaka Jinja
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Osaka, 2 Chome Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, JP
Monday
6:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday
6:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday
6:30 am-5 pm
Thursday
6:30 am-5 pm
Friday
6:30 am-5 pm
Saturday
6:30 am-5 pm
Sunday
6:30 am-5 pm
Discover more about Namba Yasaka Jinja
Namba Yasaka Jinja, located in Osaka's vibrant Naniwa Ward, is a captivating Shinto shrine known for its striking lion head-shaped stage. While the exact founding date is unclear, the shrine's origins trace back to the 7th century. For centuries, it has served as a significant place of worship, attracting visitors seeking blessings for business success, health, and protection from misfortune.
The shrine's most distinctive feature is the giant lion head, standing approximately 12 meters high and 11 meters wide. This unique structure serves as the main hall and a popular photo spot. The lion's open mouth is believed to swallow evil spirits, protecting visitors and bringing good fortune.
Namba Yasaka Jinja plays a vital role in the local community, symbolizing protection and good luck. Throughout the year, the shrine hosts various festivals and events, most notably the annual festival in January, featuring traditional Shinto rituals and a lion dance. The shrine provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a serene atmosphere for exploration and reflection.
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Getting There
Walking
From Namba Station, exit towards the east. Walk straight for about 15 minutes. The shrine will be on your right at 2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi.
Public Transport
Take the Osaka Metro to Namba Station using the Midosuji Line (Red Line, M20), Sennichimae Line (Pink Line, S16), or Yotsubashi Line (Blue Line, Y15). From Namba Station, it's a short walk to the shrine. Subway fares range from ¥180 to ¥370 for adults, depending on the distance. Alternatively, the Osaka Metro Pass offers unlimited rides on Osaka Metro lines and city buses. A one-day pass costs approximately $8.46, and a two-day pass costs approximately $13.00.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Osaka. From Namba Station, a short taxi ride to Namba Yasaka Jinja will cost approximately ¥680 for the first 2km, with an additional ¥400 per kilometer. The total fare will likely be around ¥2,000 to cross Osaka. Note that fares increase by 20% for nighttime journeys between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
A brief summary to Namba Yasaka Jinja
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