Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, Japan, and the head shrine of all approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide. It is a Myojin Taisha listed in the Engishiki, one of the Twenty-Two Shrines, and the ichinomiya of Settsu Province; formerly ranked as a Kanpei Taisha (now a Beppyo shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines). Four of its main halls are National Treasures of Japan. Affectionately called "Sumiyoshi-san" or "Sumiyossan" by locals, it is famous for New Year visits (hatsumōde), drawing over two million worshippers at the start of each year. Together with the Sumiyoshi shrines in Shimonoseki and Hakata, it is counted among Japan's three great Sumiyoshi shrines.