Sumiyoshi Shrine Old Castle History

Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) predates the arrival of Buddhism in Japan and along with Izumo Taisha (taisha-zukuri) and the Ise Jingu (shinmei-zukuri) has its own style of architecture known as sumiyoshi zukuri, free of mainland Asian influences. The oldest buildings at Sumiyoshi Taisha date from 1810 and are painted in a dark red color. The roofs are straight (rather than curved in later styles) and made of thatch. Other features of sumiyoshi zukuri are the okichigi forked finials on the roof of the honden or main shrine and the five square billets (katsuogi) placed horizontally along the roof. The building is surrounded by a wooden fence or tamagaki. Other notable structures include a kagura hall, an arched bridge over a scenic pond known as Taiko bashi or Sorihashi, said to have been originally given to the shrine by Yodogimi, the lover of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and over 700 stone lanterns donated by seafarers and companies related to marine transport. In the Heian Period, Sumiyoshi Taisha was the recipient of imperial favor and patronage. It was from nearby Suminoe no Tsu that imperial embassies to China set sail and were joined on their voyages by the head priests of the shrine. Sumiyoshi Taisha is now a popular place for traditional Shinto marriage ceremonies and draws huge crowds of Osakans for the New Year hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year). There are hundreds of other Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan dedicated to the us who protect sailors, fishermen and those traveling on the sea. #christmasgiveaway #christmaslights #historicalplace #castlefacts