Namba Yasaka Jinja (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Namba Yasaka Jinja?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy the huge lion face and 100-yen fortune slips, but there are no toilets, shade, or play gear on site, so parents should plan a 15-30 min stop and use Namba Station restrooms.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee makes it easy on your budget.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Flat walkways allow stroller or wheelchair access.
- Central location: A 7-minute walk from Namba Station links to other family spots.
Challenges:
- No on-site restrooms: Use nearby Namba Station facilities for changing and toilets.
- Small grounds: No playground or seating—visit stays brief (15–30 minutes).
- Limited shelter: There is little cover in rain—bring umbrellas.
What is Namba Yasaka Jinja?
- A Shinto shrine in Osaka’s Namba district distinguished by its monumental lion-head main hall facade
- Founded around 1069 and reconstructed in 1974, enshrining deities such as Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of matchmaking and harmony
- Features a 12 m×11 m×10 m Shishiguchi lion head whose gaping mouth serves as a ritual performance stage
What is so special about Namba Yasaka Jinja for with kids?
- Experience the giant lion-head stage photo fun
- Enjoy free entry with stroller-accessible grounds
- Interactive omikuji and ema activities for kids
- Short visits suit children’s attention spans
- Close to Namba Station and Dotonbori for a full day plan
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for photos, omikuji, and ema without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Namba Yasaka Jinja
Lion Head Photo Stop:
Pose your family in front of the 12m×11m golden lion-mouth stage.
Tip: Get low so each child’s face shows clearly inside the jaws.
Draw Omikuji Fortunes:
Let each family member shake the box and draw a paper fortune.
Tip: Bring small change (¥100–¥200 per slip) and make it a fun ritual.
Write Ema Wish Plaques:
Buy wooden ema and have kids draw or write their wishes.
Tip: Hang your plaques together on the display to remember your visit.
When is the best time to visit Namba Yasaka Jinja (Osaka, Japan)?
Visit the third Sunday of January for the tug-of-war festival and mid-July evenings to see the lion’s eyes light up during the summer lion dance.
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Reviews of Namba Yasaka Jinja (Osaka)
SC
Unique temple with the lion head. Quite small in size so it can be crowded at times. If you can fit it in between your itinerary, I would recommend stopping by as it would only take about 30 min for a quick stop.
Melissa R
On our last day in Osaka we started the morning with a visit to the Lion Shrine. What a magical place! Without a doubt one of the coolest things I’ve seen in Japan. We had some peaceful time here but after a while it started to get busier. After taking a few nice photos, we wandered around the area a bit more.
Kanato Butler
The place is a bit far from Namba station. Long walk is required. So, you have to face with hard sunlight and thirsty. Please prepare from exhausted. By the way, the shrine is magical and the charm is very cute. Don't miss this place if you want to find some inspiration and god power.
Meghana Gowda
Just another shrine. I wish there were some information boards explaining the reason for the lions head and about the patron good of the shrine. The lion head itself is worth visiting for a look, but other than that there is nothing special to do at this shrine compared to other shrines. Not a must do item or a place I would go again.
Luke Mielty
A busy but well worth it place to visit in Osaka. It’s kind of car from a metro or train station, but the walk is enjoyable. Once again, there are a lot of people there, but it doesn’t ruin it. The head is much bigger than I expected!
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Omikuji fortune slips (4) | JPY 800 |
| Ema wish plaques (2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,800 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Namba Yasaka Jinja
- Go early: Arrive before 10am to avoid crowds and get clear photos.
- Combine nearby: Plan a snack at Dotonbori or a quick museum stop after visiting.
- Bring change: Keep coins handy for omikuji and ema to avoid delays.
- Prep restroom break: Stop at Namba Station restrooms before entering the shrine.
Map of Namba Yasaka Jinja
Address: 2-chōme-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan
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About Namba Yasaka Jinja
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 6-6641-114910 BEST nearby Activities
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