The north gate behind the main halls
Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate (住吉大社北瑞籬門, Kita Mizugaki-mon) is a late Edo-period four-legged gate at the northern end of the rear of the main sanctuary of Sumiyoshi Taisha in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, moved to its present site in 1963 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/05/10. It has a gabled copper roof and is 4.4 metres wide.
The four main halls face west, so the First Sanctuary stands furthest back, to the east. The North Mizugaki Gate stands beside it at the northern corner of the rear enclosure. Its partner, the South Mizugaki Gate, stands at the southern corner, and the two secure the back of the sanctuary.
A matched pair
The official description says the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate is identical in size and form to its southern counterpart, built as one of a left-and-right pair guarding the back of the sanctuary. Both stand beside the First Sanctuary and are part of the historic heart of the grounds.
A mizugaki is the sacred fence enclosing a shrine's inner precinct, and these are gates in that fence. The Kojumon and Kofukumon at the front welcome worshippers; the two Mizugaki gates at the back divide off the area behind the halls. Two gates at the front and two at the back hold the enclosure fore and aft.
For details, the description of the southern gate is the reference: plain block-and-bracket supports and a rainbow beam with frog-leg strut in the gable, following older practice, but with carved beam ends and nosings that are restrained in outline yet very thick and forceful, a sign of their period. The northern gate is recorded as being of the same form.
What to look for, and visiting
The Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate is behind the main halls and cannot be seen from the front approach; walk round the north side of the First Sanctuary to find it. Its copper roof is the same material as the Kojumon's and stands out against the cypress-bark roofs of the halls.
The exterior can be seen freely during opening hours, at no charge; follow the signs on site about passing through. It is on the way to the Daikai Shrine area and the Obunko Library in the north of the grounds. Opening hours and directions are on the Sumiyoshi Taisha page.
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Q&A
- Where is the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate?
- At the northern corner behind the main sanctuary, beside the First Sanctuary. Walk round the north side of the halls to see it.
- How is it related to the South Mizugaki Gate?
- The two are officially identical in size and form and were built as a pair guarding the rear of the sanctuary.
- How old is the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate?
- It dates from the late Edo period, was moved to its present site in 1963, and was registered on 2018/05/10.
- What is a mizugaki gate?
- A mizugaki is the sacred fence around a shrine's inner precinct; a mizugaki gate is an opening in that fence.
- Can visitors see the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate?
- Yes, from outside during opening hours, free of charge. Follow on-site signs about passing through.
Basic Information
| Name | Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate (住吉大社北瑞籬門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 27-740 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/05/10 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber four-legged gate, gabled copper roof; 4.4 metres wide |
| Owner | Sumiyoshi Taisha (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior visible during shrine hours; no charge |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Sumiyoshi Taisha North Mizugaki Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012414
- Osaka Prefecture — Designation report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, with a list of its protected buildings (Japanese)
- https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/documents/26540/01_sumiyoshitaisya_sitei.pdf
- Sumiyoshi Taisha official site — Architecture
- https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/about/architect.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
