Sumiyoshi Park

Sumiyoshi Park is one of Osaka’s oldest parks, opened in 1873. It lies west of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, between Hankai Tramway’s Sumiyoshi-Torii-mae Station (Hankai Line/Uemachi Line) and Nankai Main Line Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station. The site originally contained the shrine’s horse-racing grounds, and the Shiokake-michi path that runs east–west through the park was once part of the approach to Sumiyoshi Taisha. Around the park’s western side near National Route 26, a large torii gate once stood—and beyond it, there used to be the sea. In the park you can see a haiku monument commemorating Edo-period poet Matsuo Bashō, famous for *The Narrow Road to the Deep North*, who visited Sumiyoshi Taisha, as well as the “Taka-dōrō,” a reconstruction of Japan’s oldest lighthouse. The park is also known for cherry blossoms, and in season many people come to barbecue while enjoying hanami. If you want to barbecue, try to reserve early (as of November 9, 2020, the service was suspended). On the fourth Saturday of every month, the “Sumisumi Marche,” a market for handmade goods, is held here—so you might enjoy hunting for unique finds.