Namba Yasaka Shrine, located in the bustling Namba district of Osaka, is a must-visit for its unique lion head-shaped building and cherry blossom trees. The lion’s head stage was built in 1975 and is believed to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck, especially for those looking to do well in school and business matters.

The third Sunday of January marks the shrine’s annual festival, during which a huge tug-of-war competition is held. This is to simulate the myth that the shrine’s deity once killed a giant snake that brought peace to the people of what is now the Namba area.