Namba Yasaka Shrine
難波八阪神社
A shrine with a 12-metre lion's head, jaws wide open
- Hours
- Grounds 6am–5pm, office (charms, ema) 9am–4:50pm (per 2026 reviews); another review says it is open 24 hours, so check if going late
- Tickets
- Free
- Address
- 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward
Through a stone torii off a side street sits a lion's head about 12 metres tall and 11 wide, mouth gaping. It is meant to swallow bad luck and pull in good, so people come to pray before exams, job hunts and business deals. The mouth is a working stage, with lights hidden in the eyes and speakers in the nose. The grounds are small and fifteen minutes covers it, but it is walkable from Namba and free, so it fits neatly before or after shopping.