By ando 
Basic Information
Location: 1109-1 Nakamura-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka 591-8012
Enshrined Kami: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Ukemochi-no-Kami
Access: Approximately a 20-30 minute walk from “Shinkanaoka Station” on the Midosuji Subway Line, or alight at the “Nakamura” Nankai Bus stop.
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Near Oizumi Ryokuchi Park in Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, tucked away in a quiet residential area, lies a place of hidden history and mystery known to those in the know. This is Nakamura-cho Yasaka Jinja, the shrine we introduce today. At first glance, it appears to be a quiet, local shrine, but it holds a “story of revival” – a tale of a shrine that once almost disappeared from the map – and the legend of a wondrous sacred tree.
The Miraculous Revival After a 40-Year Blank
Essential to the history of this jinja is its “story of revival,” which unfolded from the Meiji to Showa periods.
In Meiji 41 (1908), due to the government’s shrine consolidation policy, Yasaka Jinja was once merged into the neighboring Kanaoka Jinja and effectively abolished. A sad era followed, with the local ujigami (guardian deity) disappearing from the village. However, the faith of the local people never faded.
After the war, in Showa 22 (1947), thanks to the ardent wishes and tireless efforts of the local residents, the kami was finally re-enshrined, and the jinja was rebuilt in its original location. It is rare for a jinja to “revive” in its former place after a blank period of about 40 years, making it truly a miraculous shrine born from the strong “bonds” of the local community.
Did the Kami “Move”? The Legend of the Bifurcated Camphor Tree
Stepping onto the shrine grounds, your eyes will immediately be drawn to magnificent camphor trees (kusunoki) that seem to cover the sky. Among them, a giant tree towering behind the main hall holds a mysterious legend.
This particular camphor tree splits into two branches about 1.5 meters above the ground and is revered by the name “Kusutama Hikohime no Okami.”
According to legend, the kami of this place originally resided in another tree located northwest of the torii gate. However, it is said that at some point, the kami “moved” and took residence in this bifurcated camphor tree.
Viewing the two split trunks as “male and female (Hiko and Hime),” many people still quietly offer prayers to it. It is believed to be a sacred tree with profound divine efficacy for marital harmony, family peace, fertility, and fulfilling family wishes.
The Passion That Shakes the Town: The Bonds of Futon Daiko
The quietude of Yasaka Jinja flares up most passionately during its autumn festival, held every October.
Here, “futon daiko,” a traditional culture of Sakai, is offered. Nakamura-cho’s futon daiko has deep ties with Yasaka Jinja in the neighboring Noto-cho. In the past, they were even operated jointly, symbolizing exchange that transcended town borders.
The sight of giant taiko floats bravely parading through narrow alleys is breathtaking. The fervor of this festival truly makes one feel the “power of the people of Nakamura-cho” that revived the shrine once lost.
Hidden Gem: The Charming Naniwa Komainu
Greeting visitors in front of the worship hall (haiden) are the historic “Naniwa Komainu,” stone guardian dogs established in Bunsei Gannen (1818).
If you look closely, you’ll see charming expressions with fangs that slightly resemble “yaeba” (overlapping teeth), giving them a friendly and approachable appeal. Be sure to pay attention to their appearance, as they have watched over the changes of this land for over 200 years.
Why not extend your walk from Oizumi Ryokuchi Park a little and experience the energy of revival and the mystery of the giant tree? Around the corner in a residential area, a sacred space where time seems to stand still awaits you.
Related Links and References
[1] History of Yasaka Jinja | About Yasaka Jinja | Yasaka Jinja
[2] Yasaka Jinja in Minamihanada-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City: A large camphor tree surrounded by tranquility and an unexpected history –
[3] What is Yasaka Jinja | World Heritage (Negative Heritage) Information
[4] Yasaka Jinja in Nakamura-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City: A quiet shrine where futon daiko and history breathe –
[5] About Yasaka Jinja | Higashimurayama Yasaka Jinja
[6] Camphor Tree of Yasaka Jinja, Minamihanada
[7] Yasaka Jinja