Days since my last post: 4
First and foremost... MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Yes, while we're all in the festive mood and I'm on a long weekend kind of break, why not get blogging right? Backlogs, backlogs! I'm also bound for Bali in another 2 weeks or less, so MORE backlogs! Got to get writing now...
SUMIYOSHI TAISHA
I was pretty excited to visit Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka to be honest, because I've watched a travel show on TV before about how this foreigner visited the age old shrine and got to experience the GO DAI RIKI stone hunt. But more on that later.
At the Sumiyoshi Taisha station.
And the shrine is simply located right opposite! How convenient.
Approaching temple grounds.
Sumiyoshi Taisha is said to have been founded even before the 3rd century, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan ever. It's also been said that the Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine (or houses) the kami (Shinto Gods) who protects travelers, fishermen and sailors at the sea. I guess it's a foreigner must visit then?
The purification fountain of Sumiyoshi Taisha.
Entering temple grounds, where even pictures are prettier.
Learning how to pray the Japanese way.
Inside, the Sumiyoshi Taisha is peaceful and serene, but it's no surprise as the little town like feel from the outside fully encapsulates you into feeling like a local. Four main halls are housed inside the shrine grounds, and each with its own special feeling as I tried hard to peer into them.
In search of Go Dai Riki.
Leaving no stones unturned, literally.
So what is this Go Dai Riki I've been talking about? Well legend has it that this little area in Sumiyoshi Taisha houses tiny pebbles, some of which contains the words GO (Five), DAI (Great) and, RIKI (Power). With tons of patience and some blessings from the Gods above, you should be able to find the 3 pebbles which can then be turned into an omamori (Or amulet) from the shrine.
Go. Dai. Riki.
When placed into an omamori or amulet.
Finding these have been said that you will encounter the FIVE GREAT POWERS which are physical strength, intelligence, good fortune, wealth, and longevity. You could request for only one, that of which will be granted to you after. While I don't know if this truly works, the search for the pebbles took me quite a while and felt more for fun than for the meaning of it essentially.
To prove I was here.
In the middle of the Sumiyoshi Taisha bridge.
And another, because I was alone so why not?
My visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha was one I made alone, because my other half wanted to experience different parts of Osaka, and so we split up for the morning. I suppose this helped make the experience that much more different, because I felt for a while like I was in Japan alone. Was it worth it? Definitely.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM
Entrance is free
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