Sakurai Shrine

Overview

Sakurai Shrine, located in Katakura, Minami-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is an important site that embodies the history and culture deeply rooted in this area. Ranked as a Shikinaisha shrine (shrine listed in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese document), it was once designated as a Prefectural shrine, highlighting its distinguished history. Also known as "Kamikamiya Hachiman-gu", it enshrines three deities: Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Emperor Chuai. The shrine grounds feature a main hall built in the early Kamakura period, designated as a National Treasure—the only one of its kind in Sakai City. Its historical significance is immense, drawing many worshippers. The main hall, a simple gabled and hipped roof structure with tile roofing, is characterized by its austere design reminiscent of temple architecture. With a five-bay front and three-bay side, it adopts a *wari-haiden* style—a type of divided main hall—where the central bay of the five-bay front serves as a passageway (*medou*), with rooms on either side. Traces indicate that it originally had flooring throughout and a veranda around the building, making it a precious resource for understanding architectural styles of the time. Sakurai Shrine is also deeply entwined with the local community, with the "Kamikamiya no Kooodori" dance performed during the autumn festival in October. Originally dedicated to the Kokujinjinja (local guardian shrine), this dance represents the enduring traditional culture and local faith. In recent years, it has also gained recognition as a "winning Daruma" temple, with Daruma dolls placed throughout the grounds. Associated with Katsuouji Temple (a temple known for its Daruma dolls), these dolls, offered for good fortune in business and academic success, are a popular item among visitors. Sakurai Shrine is a captivating place where history, culture, faith, and modern aspirations converge.