3 Popular Temples and Shrines to Visit for Getting Lucky in Love, Health and Money around Namba Station in Osaka

There are more than 700 shrines and over 3,300 temples in Osaka prefecture. Here we focus on the most popular temples and shrines in Namba, which are within a 15-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba. Looking to various fortunes for money, health, and love, we picked up 3 recommended temples and shrines to visit at the beginning of the year. They are all located closely to each other, so you can visit all the temples and shrines in one day.

 “Namba Yasaka Shrine” whose building’s powerful structure using the head of a lion as a motif is impressive

“Namba Yasaka Shrine (難波八阪神社)” is a 6-minute walk from Namba Station. The age of the building is unknown with no remaining detailed materials, but it is said to be originated around 1070. It is the time when ‘ Gozu Tennou (牛頭天王)’ the god of syncretization of Shinto with Buddhism in Japan is enshrined. The characteristic of Namba Yasaka Shrine is, after all, the impactful building that imitates the head of a lion, which jumps into your eyes when passing through the entrance gate. The size of this building called “Lion Hall” is 12 meters high and 11 meters wide. You will be impressed at its overwhelming presence. The lion’s eyes are lights, the nose is a speaker, and the huge mouth is the stage, where dances are dedicated during the New Year, summer festivals, and Shinto rituals. Recently, the lion’s big mouth has been popular as it is believed to swallow evil spirits and invites happiness. The cute carp-shaped “Koi Koi Mamoru”, amulet of love and carp, believed to be beneficial for marriage, is very popular among women. If you find them, get one.

Opening Hours	6:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access	A 9-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
URL	https://nambayasaka.jp/

“Hozenji Temple” with a statue covered with bright green moss tells the history of people’s wishes for 400 years

“Hozenji Temple (法善寺)” was built in 1637. Despite being located in the center of Namba area, a 3-minute walk from Namba Station, the inside is filled with the clear and calm air that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. One of the must visit places in the precincts is ‘Nishimuuki Fudo Myo Ou(西向不動明王),’ which is known as ‘Mizukake Fudoson (水掛不動尊).’ By putting some water on the part of the statue’s body that you want to heal, that will not only get rid of illnesses and worldly desires, but will also support all your wishes and guide you in the right direction. Looking at Mizukakefudoson, who is covered in moss and dyed in green, it is easy to imagine how deeply it has been believed during such a long time of history by countless people who have poured water on it. By the way, if you sprinkle water gently at Kongara Doji and Seitaka Doji, two statues sitting on both sides of Mizukakefudoson, considering them as a man and a woman,  they will bring you a wonderful romance. Have your wishes in mind and pray carefully.

Opening Hours	24 Hours
Address	1-2-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access	A 12-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
URL	https://houzenji.jp/

Get ‘Seed Money’ bringing you luck in money! “Okuninushi Shrine” with big mouse statues welcoming at the entrance

“Okuninushi Shrine (大国主神社)” was built in 1744. The god of Japanese mythology, ‘Okuninushi no Mikoto (大国主命),’ which appears in the old Japanese books in 8th century, is enshrined. It is famous as one of the best sacred spots with spiritual energy in Osaka, visited by many people from all over the world – as a shrine to bring economic fortune. Originally, it was known as the god of marriage, but it was confused with a Buddhist god and eventually considered the same as ‘Daikoku-sama,’ one of the seven gods of good fortune, so now its coverage is separate and known for improving money and fortune. After visiting the worship hall where the Koma Mouse with a rice bag and a gavel is seated, don’t forget to get ‘Seed Money (Tanesen, 種銭)’ that is believed to bring you some unexpected income and lottery winning. It will attract money, so the recommended places to keep the “Seed Money” would be a wallet or a safe.