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  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Osaka
  4. Ikukunitama Shrine
A Japanese Shinto shrine with wooden structures, traditional curved roofs, lanterns, and ema plaques for wishes hanging on a board. The area is peaceful, surrounded by trees and stone paths.
A Japanese Shinto shrine with wooden structures, traditional curved roofs, lanterns, and ema plaques for wishes hanging on a board. The area is peaceful, surrounded by trees and stone paths.
A traditional Japanese torii gate made of stone stands under a clear blue sky, decorated with a rope and straw tassels. Buildings and power lines are visible in the background.
A bright orange wooden gate and fence frame a path lined with cherry blossom trees, with modern apartment buildings in the background under a clear sky.
A stone guardian lion-dog statue, known as a komainu, is positioned on a pedestal in a shaded outdoor area surrounded by trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A stone torii gate stands at the entrance of a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine, surrounded by trees and wooden structures, with a stone tablet inscribed with Japanese characters nearby.
Osaka

Ikukunitama Shrine

4.2 (2430)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Ikukunitama Shrine in Osaka's Tennoji district dates back to 651 AD, making it one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the area. It was initially built to protect the city and its people from natural disasters and epidemics. The shrine honors Ikushima-no-Okami and Tarushima-no-Okami, revered as guardians of life and fortune.

The shrine's architecture is a prime example of traditional Shinto design, featuring a honden (main hall) and a haiden (worship hall). The wooden structures are adorned with ornate carvings, and the roof is covered with cypress bark. Visitors are greeted by a grand torii gate, which marks the entrance to the sacred grounds.

One of the unique features of Ikukunitama Shrine is its collection of ema, wooden plaques on which visitors write their prayers and wishes. The shrine also houses several historic artifacts, including ancient scrolls and ceremonial items that offer a glimpse into its rich past.

The annual Ikutama Matsuri, held in August, is a highlight for many. This vibrant festival features processions of portable shrines (mikoshi), traditional music, and dance performances, drawing crowds from all over the region.

The serene surroundings, including a sacred grove and a peaceful pond, starkly contrast the urban environment outside. Ikukunitama Shrine is a testament to Osaka's deep spiritual roots, offering a sanctuary of peace and a connection to Japan's ancient traditions.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

*subject to change depending on the season

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

Free

Hours
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 6-6771-0002
Website
ikutamajinja.jp

The area

Address
13-9 Ikutamachō, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0071, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 6-6771-0002

Website

ikutamajinja.jp

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What other travelers are saying about Ikukunitama Shrine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Beautiful and Peaceful Escape in the Middle of Osaka Ikutama Shrine is one of those places that quietly resets your entire mood the moment you step inside. It’s peaceful in a way that feels rare, especially in a busy city like Osaka. The air feels different — calmer, lighter — and the whole area has this quiet spiritual energy that makes you slow down without even trying. I found myself just standing there, taking everything in, appreciating the silence and the history around me. The pathways, the trees, the architecture, the atmosphere… everything blends together so naturally. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe, reflect, or just enjoy a moment to yourself. Whether you’re visiting for cultural interest, prayer, or simply to find a peaceful spot to clear your mind, Ikutama Shrine is definitely worth experiencing. It’s simple, beautiful, and grounding in the best way. I’ll be coming back here for moments of calm — 100%.
Profile
Shawnee Orlando
Dec 11, 2025
Such a lovely big shrine right in the middle of Osaka! Even though it’s in the city, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. There are many buildings for ceremonies, plus smaller shrines where you can pray for different fortunes. The vibe here is really good—it’s both grounding and calming. A beautiful place to stop by and soak in some serenity.
Profile
Suphatcha Sriwongruk
Sep 18, 2025
A very beautiful and serene shrine that was fun to explore. This shrine also occasionally hosts events. There is also a unique goshuin offered here for anyone collecting them.
Profile
Harry Hao
Jul 24, 2024
Ikutama Shrine, or 生國魂神社 (Ikutama-jinja) in Osaka, Japan, holds a rich history dating back over a millennium. Established in the 3rd century, it venerates the deity Wakumusubi no Kami, known for fertility and safe childbirth. Originally located near Osaka Castle, the shrine relocated multiple times due to wars and urban development. Its current site in Tennoji Park was chosen in 1873 during the Meiji era. The architecture showcases a harmonious blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements. Ikutama Shrine hosts various festivals, including the vibrant Plum Blossom Festival, symbolizing the arrival of spring. Pilgrims and locals alike visit to seek blessings, particularly for familial prosperity and well-being. The serene surroundings and ancient trees contribute to the shrine's peaceful atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with Japan's spiritual heritage in the heart of Osaka.
Profile
Divertimento
Dec 1, 2023
A beautiful, spacious area with the main shrine in the center. I like taking the scenic park route to Ikutama shrine. It's not busy, and very easy to access; no stairs or hills, it is a flat area. There is the goshuin-cho (500 yen) and the souvenir stamp on the left of the reception desk where you can get 2 free stamps! Very clean, well maintained property and if you come to visit in the right year, you can get your zodiac animal goshuin! This year is the dragon. I highly recommend visiting Ikukumitama shrine for goshuin collectors and shrine visits!
Profile
E G
May 30, 2024

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Nearby attractions to see

Indoor Japanese market with hanging lanterns, various food stalls, and people walking down the aisle. Colorful signs and banners hang from the ceiling, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

A busy indoor market in Japan with colorful signs, large red lanterns, and many people shopping and walking through the crowded aisles beneath a bright, covered ceiling.

Nipponbashi

A large red Ferris wheel stands beside a modern building under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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The image shows the Tower of the Sun, a tall, white sculpture with abstract features, standing in a park with flower beds of yellow and purple blooms and leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

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More about Ikukunitama Shrine from our blog

A well-maintained Buddhist temple with traditional architecture featuring curved rooflines and wooden accents. In the foreground is a gazebo-like structure with glass windows. The sky above is bright with scattered clouds. Trees are visible in the background.

9 Must-Visit Osaka Temples & Shrines

March 5, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

The shrine is at 13-9 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka. It was moved to its current location in 1585 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle.

Ikukunitama Shrine is accessible by a 4-minute walk from Exit 3 of Osaka Municipal Subway Tanimachi 9-chome Station. It's also a 5-minute walk from Tanimachi-9 Chome station on the subway Tanimachi line or a 10-minute walk from Uehonmachi station on the Kintetsu Osaka line.

Ikukunitama Shrine is the only shrine among Japan's 80,000 shrines built in the Ikukunitama-zukuri style. Its rich history includes being relocated from its original site (now Osaka Castle) to its current location in 1585. The shrine has been rebuilt over the years, including after WWII, combining traditional architecture with modern materials.

Ikukunitama Shrine hosts several key events throughout the year, including the Oharai ceremony on June 30th to drive away bad luck and disease, the Ikutama Summer Festival on July 11th and 12th featuring lion dances, portable shrine processions, drumming, and food stalls, and the Hikohachi Festival on the first Saturday of September, celebrating the Kamikata Rakugo storytelling technique.

Yes, Ikukunitama Shrine can be visited at any time of the year. It offers a tranquil atmosphere for most of the year, with festivals adding to its vibrancy during specific periods.