Sanko Shrine

A shrine in Saikoyama Park in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City. It is said to have been founded by the 18th emperor, Emperor Hanzei, and the main enshrined deities are Amaterasu Omikami, Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, and Susanoo no Mikoto. It is known as a deity that wards off chubu (symptoms such as paralysis caused by stroke aftereffects).

Set on a small hill, this is where the fort “Sanadamaru” was placed, built by Yukimura (Nobushige) Sanada during the Siege of Osaka (Winter Campaign), when the Tokugawa and Toyotomi fought, and which brought victory to the Toyotomi side. Within the shrine grounds stands a statue of Yukimura, and under the shrine building remains an escape tunnel said to continue from the fort to Osaka Castle. The “Sanada Festival,” held around early November each year when the tunnel—usually sealed off with iron bars—is opened to the public, is not to be missed, whether you’re a history fan or not.

It’s also famous for enshrining Jurojin, one of the “Osaka Seven Lucky Gods” who governs longevity. The seven temples and shrines are each Approx. 10–20 minutes apart, making it possible to complete the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage in a single day, even at a leisurely pace. Many visitors also come to buy shikishi boards that can be stamped with goshuin at all seven sites. In spring, it also draws crowds as a popular cherry blossom spot.