MENU

Ootori Taisha (Sakai, Osaka)

Shrine Guide
Table of Contents

Summary

Ootori Taisha (大鳥大社) is the chief shrine (Ichinomiya) of Izumi Province. It appears in the 10th-century Engishiki as a renowned Myojin Taisha. The shrine honors Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, whose spirit is said to have flown here as a swan. Its main sanctuary preserves the ancient native style called Ootori-zukuri (大鳥造), set within a quiet grove known as Chigusa no Mori (千種の森).

Worship hall (Haiden) and torii gate of Ootori Taisha Shrine in Sakai, Osaka
Torii and worship hall (haiden) of Ootori Taisha

Key Facts

  • Province: Izumi (historical province); widely revered as the province’s Ichinomiya.
  • Enshrined Deities: Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (日本武尊); Ootori no Muraji Oyagami (大鳥連祖神), ancestor deity of the Ootori clan.
  • Founded / Legend: Origin linked to the swan legend of Yamato Takeru; shrine tradition places this about 1,900 years ago.
  • Architecture: Ootori-zukuri (gabled, front-entrance style). The current buildings were reconstructed in 1909, faithfully following earlier designs.
  • State Rites: One of 85 shrines appointed in ancient times for national prayers for rain and calamity pacification.

History in Brief

The shrine received deep imperial patronage and appears in the Engishiki (927). In times of national calamity, it was among the 85 shrines tasked with state prayers for rain and disaster pacification. According to legend, after his campaigns, Yamato Takeru passed away in Ise; his spirit rose as a swan and finally alighted here. The grove is called Chigusa no Mori—“the grove of many kinds”—because trees are said to have grown overnight where the swan landed. Buildings lost in warfare were rebuilt in 1602 under Toyotomi Hideyori, and again in 1662 by order of Tokugawa Ietsuna. After lightning damage in 1905, the present sanctuary was reconstructed in 1909 in the traditional Ootori-zukuri style.

Enshrined Deities

Yamato Takeru is revered for victory, good fortune, protection from misfortune, and safe travel. Ootori no Muraji Oyagami represents the ancestor deity of the Ootori clan, whose lineage is traditionally connected to Ame-no-Koyane no Mikoto in the Shinsen Shojiroku. Many visitors pray here for success in life and community safety.

Etiquette

Please keep these simple manners in mind when visiting the shrine.

  • Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (手水舎).
  • Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei).
  • Keep quiet around the honden (本殿, main sanctuary).
  • Please refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking within the shrine grounds.
  • Aerial drones are strictly prohibited.
  • Please be mindful when taking photos, as some areas may be sacred.

Visitor Tips

Sacred camphor tree (Neagari-no-Ookusu) within the grounds of Ootori Taisha
The sacred camphor tree Neagari-no-Ookusu within the shrine grounds
  • The grounds are part of the sacred Chigusa no Mori, said to have grown overnight when the swan spirit of Yamato Takeru descended.
  • Don’t miss the sacred camphor tree with its exposed roots—believed to have sprouted miraculously overnight.
  • The front torii features rare octagonal pillars.
  • Behind the main hall is the okumiya, home to the sacred Yogo no Ishi (影向石), traditionally said to mark the swan’s landing place.

Photography may be restricted near sacred areas. Please follow on-site signs.

Omamori (Amulets)

Common omamori (お守り) for travel safety, protection, and good fortune are typically ¥1,000–¥2,000. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.

Festivals

Ootori Taisha holds many traditional events throughout the year. Among them, these three are especially well known for their lively atmosphere and long history.

  • Hanatsumi-sai (花摘祭): 3rd Saturday of April — an elegant Heian-style parade; flowers are offered before the kami to pray for protection from illness and calamities.
  • Reitaisai (例祭): August 13 — the shrine’s principal annual ceremony, held to honor the enshrined deities.
  • Ootori Danjiri Matsuri (鳳だんじり祭り): early October (from the first Friday) — autumn festival linked to the auxiliary Mihahi Jinja, with about ten danjiri floats, a vigorous shrine entry (miyairi), and a parade.
  • Tori-no-Ichi (酉の市): on the rooster day in November — a lively market for good business fortune, with decorative kumade rakes and lucky charms.

How to Visit & Access

Located in the western part of Sakai City.

From JR Otori Station (West Exit), walk about 3 minutes to the shrine. Local buses also stop nearby — Otori Kitaguchi (~3 min) and Otori Jinja-mae (~1 min).

Travel times are approximate and may vary by schedule. Hours may vary by season and events.

Nearby

  • Mozu Kofun Group (including Daisenryo Kofun) — UNESCO World Heritage burial mounds in Sakai
  • Daisen Park — large park with museum and gardens
  • Niwatsuhime Jinja — a related historic shrine of Izumi
  • Sumiyoshi Taisha — Osaka’s grand shrine to the north
Support this Guide

Your support helps me share shrine culture, and will be offered as osaisen (offerings) at Ichinomiya shrines.

Buy Me a Torii
Shrine Guide
Feel free to share
  • Copied the URL !
Table of Contents