Foreigners Swarm Giant Lion Shrine in Osaka as Founder of Famous Company Emerges as Surprising Supporter

Namba Yasaka Shrine in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, traditionally attracts many visitors seeking protection from bad luck and prosperity in business. Recently, its popularity among international tourists has surged. In early August, when our reporter visited the shrine, tourists from Europe, South America, and even China were gathering from around the world.

The key to Namba Yasaka Shrine’s rising status among inbound tourists is its symbolic Lion Shrine. The huge lion head, measuring 12 meters high and 7 meters wide, became popular due to its “SNS appeal” and spread among international visitors. A shrine official explains the history of the Lion Shrine:

“The original shrine building was destroyed in an air raid and was rebuilt in 1974. At that time, it was decided to create a symbol that would surprise visitors, leading to the construction of the lion head, designed to resemble a lion dance mask.”

Behind the creation of the Lion Shrine was an unexpected supporter:

“The founder of ‘551 Horai,’ which could be called Osaka’s soul food. Due to the connection that both the shrine and 551’s headquarters factory were in the same Naniwa Ward, he provided various forms of support. When creating the phoenix pattern on the ceiling of the Lion Shrine, he took us to Taiwan for pattern study and to find artisans. After his successor took over, in 2014, he had the lion head repainted from its old color to the current blue-green. It was around that time that inbound tourists began to rapidly increase.”

Today, the shrine is bustling with up to 90% of visitors being foreigners, but “When the Lion Shrine was first built, there were mixed opinions,” reveals a shrine official.

“I heard there were criticisms like, ‘What are you going to do with such a flashy thing?’ However, it has turned out to be a blessing. Fortune slips and amulets are selling like hotcakes. Especially, there seems to be a large number of visitors from China.”

The shrine seems to be thriving, with the grounds meticulously maintained and English electronic information boards installed for international visitors. The giant lion, supported by 551, one of Kansai’s symbols, continues to watch over its important local area, Naniwa Ward, as a guardian deity today.