A Taisho-era torii flanking the main entrance
Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate (住吉大社北脇参道角鳥居) is a stone torii built in 1919 at the start of the northern side approach that runs parallel to the main approach at Sumiyoshi Taisha in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/05/10, and is 4.6 metres wide and 5.0 metres high.
It stands just north of the West Great Torii. Its twin stands at the southern side approach, and the pair flank the great torii, so the shrine's front is made up of three torii: the large round-pillared one in the middle and two square-pillared ones on either side.
An Edo model copied in the Taisho era
This is a stone Myōjin torii with broadly chamfered square pillars, modelled on the early Edo Kaku Torii in front of the Kojumon Gate. A tie beam passes through the pillars and two upswept lintels sit on top.
The official description finds the difference in its "balanced form and even finish". Where the Edo original is low and heavy, the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate rises to 5.0 metres on a 4.6-metre span. The stone surfaces, too, are smoother and more uniform than hand-dressed Edo work. The form was copied; the finish is of its own period.
Both side-approach torii date from 1919. The southern one is recorded at 5.1 metres, about 10 centimetres taller. The Agency treats the two as identical in size and form, and the records do not tell us whether the difference is a measuring discrepancy or a real one.
What to look for, and visiting
To compare the two, stand in front of the West Great Torii and look left and right: round pillars in the centre, square ones on each side. Walk up the north side approach and the sacred horse stable is on your right.
The Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate stands on the outer edge of the grounds and can be seen at any time free of charge; walk through during opening hours. Opening hours and directions are on the Sumiyoshi Taisha page.
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Q&A
- Where is the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate?
- Just north of the West Great Torii, at the entrance to the northern side approach. Its twin stands to the south.
- When was the North Side Approach Kaku Torii built?
- In 1919. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/05/10.
- What was the North Side Approach Kaku Torii modelled on?
- The early Edo Kaku Torii in front of the Kojumon Gate, a Myojin torii with chamfered square pillars.
- Are the two side-approach torii the same size?
- Officially yes, both 4.6 metres wide, but the records give 5.0 metres for the Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate and 5.1 metres for the southern one.
- Can visitors walk through it?
- Yes, during shrine opening hours, free of charge.
Basic Information
| Name | Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate (住吉大社北脇参道角鳥居) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 27-750 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/05/10 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone; 4.6 metres wide, 5.0 metres high |
| Owner | Sumiyoshi Taisha (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Stands at the north side approach; no charge |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Sumiyoshi Taisha North Side Approach Kaku Torii Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012424
- 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
