Located in the heart of Osaka, 榆白上大神 (Zao Higashi Daimin) is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. The shrine's name, Zao, refers to the Zao River that flows through the nearby town of Kishiwada, while Higashi means 'east' in Japanese. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a wooden torii gate, a wooden main hall, and several smaller shrines dedicated to various regional kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.6639104, 135.536252
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, be sure to try some of the local sake offerings at the shrine's sake bar, which is famous for its unique ' sake-for-sake' tradition.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, 榆白上大神 plays an important role in the town's harvest festivals. During the annual Obon festival, visitors can participate in traditional dances and games to ensure a bountiful harvest. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage, which attracts many tourists during the fall season.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established during the Nara period (710-794 CE) and has undergone several renovations over the centuries, including a major restoration in the late Edo period (1603-1867 CE).