Otori Taisha & Futon Daiko and Danjiri

Address: 1-1-2 Otorikita-machi, Nishi-ku, Sakai City
Access: Get off at Otori station (JR Hanwa line) or the Otori-Jinja Shrine bus stop (Nankai bus)
Opening hours: April to September 5:30-18:00, October to March 6:00-18:00 (reception open 9:00-16:30 all year-round)
Otori Taisha is the most prestigious shrine in the southwestern part of Osaka Prefecture, known as the highest-ranked shrine of the former Izumi Province. During the first shrine visit (hatsumode) of the New Year’s period, it welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors over the first three days.

The shrine worships Yamato Takeru no Mikoto as its main deity, a heroic figure renowned for his bravery, who appears in Japan’s ancient chronicles, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. According to a legend, about 1,900 years ago, after Yamato Takeru no Mikoto passed away, his spirit transformed into a white bird and flew away. The place where the bird finally descended is said to be where Otori Taisha was founded. There is even a legend that, to prevent the bird from flying away again, trees grew thick overnight. Today, the shrine grounds remain surrounded by a lush forest.

In March of this year, the main hall and worship hall etc. were designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Sakai City. The current shrine buildings were reconstructed between 1905 and 1909, after the original main hall was destroyed by fire. While the architectural style follows that of ancient Shinto shrines, it also reflects the exploration of shrine designs befitting the modernized Japan in the midst of the Meiji era, when many shrines across Japan were being revitalized. The entire structure showcases a blend of ancient imperial style and modern creativity.

In front of the worship hall stands a rare octagonal tori gate, and to the east of the main hall is a camphor tree over 600 years old. The shrine is also known for Japan’s first “clear-vision omamori” (transparent amulet that helps you see your path ahead), which has become very popular.

In October, the area hosts the Danjiri Festival. At night, elaborately decorated danjiri floats race through the streets with a thunderous roar, a breathtaking sight unique to the Otori district’s festival. Be sure to check it out!

Both of these are autumn traditional festivals of Sakai. At Futon daiko festivals you will see large portable shrines being shouldered and paraded around. At Danjiri festivals you will see giant floats with exquisite wood carving barreling down the streets pulled by many people.

Futon Daiko
The most prominent Futon daiko event takes place at Mozu Hachimangu Shrine, with the following schedule:
October 4th (Sat): Procession into the shrine, 11:00-22:30
October 5th (Sun): Procession out of the shrine, 9:00-22:00
In addition to this, various Futon daiko celebrations are held at multiple locations across the city from September through October.

Danjiri
The most renowned Danjiri celebration is the Otori Taisha Danjiri Festival, held from October 3rd (Fri) to October 5th (Sun).
October 4th (Sat): Ten Danjiri floats enter the shrine in the morning, followed by their departure later in the day.
October 5th (Sun): A Nishi Ward Danjiri Parade takes place around noon. Other Danjiri festivals are also held at different venues throughout the city during the month of October.
For more information visit the Sakai Hyakucho website