Kōzu Shrine

Kozu Shrine was built in 866 at the site of Naniwa Kozu Palace, where Emperor Nintoku relocated the capital at the request of Emperor Seiwa. Emperor Nintoku, the main enshrined deity, is well known for the “Daisen Kofun” (Nintoku Emperor’s Mausoleum), which has been selected as a World Heritage Site. In 1583, as Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, the shrine was relocated to its current site. It is also known as a setting for classical rakugo stories such as *Kozu no Tomi*, *Takakura Kitsune*, and *Sutokuin*, as well as for bunraku and kabuki works like *Natsumatsuri Naniwa Kagami*; rakugo performances are also held regularly. During the Edo period, Kozu Shrine was famous for having the best view in Osaka and drew many worshippers. The area around the ema hall within the grounds is said to have served as the viewpoint back then. Because it stands on elevated ground, you must climb one of four slopes to reach the shrine. One of them, the west slope, was once called “Enkiri-zaka” (the “relationship-cutting slope”). Another, Aiai-zaka, is said to bring good compatibility if men climb from the south and women from the north and meet at the top. If you climb while wishing for blessings of “cutting ties” or “forming ties,” your steps might feel a bit lighter.