A dedicated dance performed around a large umbrella, carrying Sumiyoshi’s wishes through generations
Sumiyoshi Odori
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Otaue on June 14, Sumiyoshi Festival from July 30 to August 1, the Moon Viewing Festival, and the New Year period / Performed throughout the year
- Location
- Sumiyoshi Taisha
- Area
- Osaka Prefecture・Osaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Age restrictions
- Girls from preschool age through the 6th grade of elementary school (joining as Dōjo)
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Sumiyoshi Odori, passed down at Sumiyoshi Taisha, is a traditional performance combining songs and dance around a large umbrella. It has been handed down by local girls and is performed at events such as the Otaue Shinji and the Sumiyoshi Festival.
About Sumiyoshi Odori
Sumiyoshi Odori is a dance dedicated at Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka and is performed at events such as the Otaue Shinji rice-planting ritual.
Its distinctive format features dancers performing to the song around a central umbrella.
According to tradition, the dance originated when local residents danced to celebrate Empress Jingu’s landing at Sakai. From the medieval period onward, it spread as a dance praying for peace throughout the land and abundant harvests.
Source: 住吉踊 | コラム | 住吉大社
Festival highlights
A highlight is the large umbrella set up in the center, with dancers performing around it.
The instructor sings while beating the umbrella’s handle to keep the rhythm, and the dancers, holding fans, move to the song in a pattern resembling the character for “heart.”
The distinctive costumes and umbrella designs also carry meanings connected with the five elements and the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
A dedicated dance performed around a large umbrella, carrying Sumiyoshi’s wishes through generations
What to expect
During the offering, the singers and dancers take their positions around the umbrella, and the dance unfolds to the singing and the sound of striking the umbrella’s handle.
Today, girls from the area around Sumiyoshi Taisha take part as young dancers, with about 250 participants.
In addition to the Otaue Shinji, it is also performed at the Sumiyoshi Festival, the Moon Viewing Festival, and during the New Year period; where it is performed varies by season.
How to take part
This is not an event where general visitors can freely take part as dancers; girls from the area around Sumiyoshi Taisha serve as Dōjo.
Girls from preschool age through the 6th grade of elementary school are eligible to join as Dōjo. Joining requires submitting an application form and obtaining approval from the chief priest of Sumiyoshi Taisha.
If you wish to watch or visit the shrine, please follow the progress of the shrine ritual and the guidance provided on the .
To join as a Dōjo, submit an application form to the administrative office and obtain approval from the chief priest of Sumiyoshi Taisha.
The listed costs include an annual membership fee, as well as fees for the costume, umbrella bag, and tabi socks.
For inquiries, contact the Sumiyoshi Odori desk at Sumiyoshi Taisha. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Sumiyoshi Taisha (2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
- Train and bus
A 3-minute walk east from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line, or a 5-minute walk west from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line.
Sumiyoshi -mae Station on the Hankai Line is a short walk away.
- By car
From the north, directions are available from the Tamade Exit on the Hanshin Expressway Route 15 Sakai Line; from the south, from the Ohama Exit on the Hanshin Expressway Route 4 Bayshore Line.
Large vehicles are not permitted.
- Parking
Parking for worshippers is available at Sumiyoshi Taisha.
The parking lot is available as usual during the Sumiyoshi Festival, but temporary traffic restrictions are in place for the procession.
Source: アクセス | 住吉大社 / 令和8年 住吉祭（夏祭）について | お知らせ | 住吉大社
Address 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Dates and season
It is traditionally performed at the Otaue Shinji on June 14, the Sumiyoshi Festival from July 30 to August 1, the Moon Viewing Festival, and during the New Year period.
At the Otaue Shinji at Sumiyoshi Taisha, Sumiyoshi Odori is performed alongside rice planting, rice-planting dances, war drums, and stick-fighting matches.
Accommodation and hotels PR
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Tips for your visit
As Sumiyoshi Odori is dedicated as part of a sacred ritual, please follow the guidance posted at the shrine precincts and the instructions of staff when watching, and observe from a place where you will not interfere with the offering.
During the Sumiyoshi Festival, traffic restrictions are in place for the mikoshi procession, affecting traffic on nearby roads.
If you are coming by car, check the restrictions on the day of the festival and the parking conditions.
Nearby attractions
難波八阪神社
大阪市にある神社
ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
日本の大阪府大阪市此花区にあるテーマパーク
Sumiyoshi Taisha
大阪市住吉区の神社
国立国際美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
坐摩神社
大阪市中央区の神社
大阪ビジネスパーク
大阪市中央区にある超高層ビル群
大阪城公園
大阪市の公園
大阪天満宮
大阪市北区にある神社
大阪市立東洋陶磁美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
大阪市立科学館
大阪市北区中之島にある科学館
大阪市立美術館
大阪市天王寺区にある美術館
大阪歴史博物館
大阪府大阪市中央区にある博物館
Origins and History of Sumiyoshi Odori
According to tradition, the dance originated when local residents performed it to celebrate and welcome Empress Jingu as she landed safely on the shore at Sakai.
From the medieval period onward, monks from Sumiyoshi Jinguji and itinerant mendicant priests spread it throughout the country as a dance praying for peace throughout the land and abundant harvests.
It ceased for a time when the temple at the shrine was abolished in Meiji 4, but local volunteers revived it in Taisho 10 using old materials, restoring it as a dance offering for the Otaue Shinji.
Official information
Sumiyoshi Taisha: “Sumiyoshi Odori” information
Sumiyoshi Odori at a Glance
Sumiyoshi Odori is a traditional dance centered on an umbrella and song, dedicated at events such as the Otaue Shinji at Sumiyoshi Taisha.
Local girls dance in a pattern resembling the character for “heart,” expressing wishes for peace throughout the land and abundant harvests.
If visiting during the Otaue Shinji or the Sumiyoshi Festival, enjoy your visit while being mindful of the ritual proceedings and traffic restrictions.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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