Osakagokoku Shrine

Osaka Gokoku Shrine was established in 1938 by the then Governor of Osaka Prefecture to enshrine war dead from Osaka Prefecture or those with ties to Osaka. To date, it is said that more than 105,000 spirits are enshrined here. One highlight is the sacred mirror (shinkyō) in the main hall, considered among the largest made before World War II. Behind the main hall there is also a ‘sazare-ishi’ stone—known from the lyrics of Japan’s national anthem *Kimigayo*—symbolizing the wish that peace will continue for as long as it takes for small stones to gather and form a large rock. In the lush precincts there is a Japanese garden and rows of stone lantern bases (tamagaki), and cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in spring. Each year around Obon, a lantern-lighting Mitama Festival is held to honor the war dead, and major festivals are also held in spring and autumn. The shrine is close to Suminoe Park and the Suminoe Boat Race Track, and it is located just a short distance from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line Suminoe-kōen Station.