Visit Namba Yasaka's giant lion head shrine
Osaka, Japan •
Popular
Popular




Best months to visit
Apr
10°C – 20°C, mild and comfortable spring weather, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, mild and comfortable spring weather, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
The shrine grounds are mostly flat and accessible, but some areas have stairs without ramps. Seating is limited.
The shrine grounds are mostly flat and accessible, but some areas have stairs without ramps. Seating is limited.
Value for money
High
Free admission makes it excellent value for the experience.
Free admission makes it excellent value for the experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity



C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Unique Shrine
Couples found the lion head stage incredibly romantic and a great photo op.
Peaceful Escape
Visitors felt it offered a serene break from the busy city, perfect for couples.
Photo Worthy
Couples loved taking pictures of the unique architecture. A must see in Osaka!
Limited Amenities
Some couples noted the lack of restrooms and cafes as a slight inconvenience.
Short Visit
Travelers felt the experience was brief. 30-60 minutes is all you need.
Not Very
Couples found the area small, not much to see once you are there.
How to book
Hours of operation
Monday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW

5-12°C
December brings chilly but not severe winter weather, with low rainfall and clear days. It is comfortable for walking visits.
December brings chilly but not severe winter weather, with low rainfall and clear days. It is comfortable for walking visits.
Open
None; standard opening hours apply.
None; standard opening hours apply.
Recommended
A quiet time to visit with cool temperatures and minimal crowds. Expect a slight rise in visitors at the very end of the month.
A quiet time to visit with cool temperatures and minimal crowds. Expect a slight rise in visitors at the very end of the month.
January
MEDIUM

3-10°C
Cold and dry with occasional rain; generally clear skies but can feel chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Cold and dry with occasional rain; generally clear skies but can feel chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Open
Open daily with no major restrictions; some areas may be busier during festival events.
Open daily with no major restrictions; some areas may be busier during festival events.
Recommended
January is a good time to visit, especially if you want to experience the unique Tug-of-War Ritual held on the third Sunday. Temperatures are cool, tourist prices are standard, and the shrine is fully accessible. Dress warmly and expect some crowds during the festival day.
January is a good time to visit, especially if you want to experience the unique Tug-of-War Ritual held on the third Sunday. Temperatures are cool, tourist prices are standard, and the shrine is fully accessible. Dress warmly and expect some crowds during the festival day.
February
LOW

3-11°C
Cold but starting to warm slightly; mostly dry with occasional rainy days. Skies are generally clear.
Cold but starting to warm slightly; mostly dry with occasional rainy days. Skies are generally clear.
Open
No significant restrictions; the shrine is open as usual.
No significant restrictions; the shrine is open as usual.
Recommended
February is a quiet month at Namba Yasaka Shrine. Perfect for visitors seeking a serene experience without crowds. Weather is cold but manageable with appropriate clothing.
February is a quiet month at Namba Yasaka Shrine. Perfect for visitors seeking a serene experience without crowds. Weather is cold but manageable with appropriate clothing.
March
MEDIUM

6-15°C
Cool temperatures with a mild increase; more frequent rain as the month progresses. Early cherry blossoms may appear late in the month.
Cool temperatures with a mild increase; more frequent rain as the month progresses. Early cherry blossoms may appear late in the month.
Open
No major restrictions; open daily. Increased visitors may be seen on weekends.
No major restrictions; open daily. Increased visitors may be seen on weekends.
Recommended
March is a transitional month with pleasant weather and early signs of cherry blossoms. The shrine becomes more popular as spring approaches.
March is a transitional month with pleasant weather and early signs of cherry blossoms. The shrine becomes more popular as spring approaches.
How to get there

Metro
Recommended
The shrine is a short walk from Namba Station (Midosuji, Yotsubashi, Sennichimae Lines) and Daikokucho Station (Midosuji, Yotsubashi Lines).

Train
Recommended
JR Namba Station (Yamatoji Line) and Nankai Namba Station (Nankai Electric Railway) are both within walking distance.

Walking
Recommended
The final approach to Namba Yasaka Shrine is on foot from any of the nearby stations.

Bike
Public bicycle parking lots are available near Namba Station; cyclists can park and walk to the shrine.

Bus
Several bus routes stop at Namba Station, from which visitors can walk to the shrine.

Car
Limited parking is available in the surrounding Namba area, including Namba Parks parking garage and other paid lots.

Taxi
Taxis offer a direct route to the shrine, with drop-off at the entrance on the main road.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Flat Terrain
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required

Viator

