- "Crossing a Vermillion Arched Bridge"
- Sumiyoshitaisha, whose origins lie in the god of sea voyages, has been written about extensively for its scenery, including the Manyoshu anthology of poetry as well as in Kokin Waka anthology of poetry.
An elegant pilgrimage of Hikaru Genji to Sumiyoshi is noted in "The Tale of Genji" by Lady Murasaki.
As the years passed, pilgrimages to Sumiyoshi become popular among the common people, and now about 2.5 million people come to worship during the three days of the New Year's holiday. From time immemorial, Sumiyoshitaisha has been a shrine regarded with immense respect and patronage in the Kinki region.
As a reminder of that, one of the first things you notice today is the more than 600 garden lanterns that have been donated by people from throughout the region. These magnificent lanterns easily catch the eye, as they're magnificent, or with elegant designs, or with calligraphy by the hands of accomplished calligraphers, spending money lavishly on lanterns.
Once you cross the vermilion arched bridge, the main temple buildings appear to like an armada of ships floating on the sea. All four of the shrine buildings are national treasures. In the fairy tale of a dwarf, "Issun Boshi," a childless, middle-aged couple came to pray here in hopes of giving birth. Their tiny child, who was born as a result, set off on a sea journey from Sumiyoshi's harbor, riding in a bowl.
- "Complete Course for Hattatsu's Blessing"
- Hattatsu-san has long been seen with affection by the merchants of Osaka seeking a prosperous business.
If people worship the four gods on the first day of Tatsu of each month, they will be given greater physical power, which is why people come to the grounds of the shrine from early in the morning.
The shrine for praying for the safe and trouble-free delivery of children is Tanekashisha; for security for the home, Nankunsha; for art and beauty, Asazawasha; for the realization of one's prayers, Otoshisha.
Doing these "rounds of the gods" is a popular set of activities that brings divine favor for even general worshippers.
