By ando 
Ootori-taisha (おおとりたいしゃ) is located in Nishi Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine (sohonzha) of the numerous Ootori jinja found nationwide and has long been revered as Ichinomiya, the highest-ranking shrine in Izumi Province. Hidden here are a grand legend connected to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (やまとたけるのみこと), a hero of Japanese mythology, and a mysterious story that continues to be told today.
Basic Information
Location: 1-1-2 Ookita-cho, Nishi Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
Main kami: Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (やまとたけるのみこと), Ootori no Muraji no Mioyagami (おおとりのむらじのみおやがみ)
Shrine rank: Ichinomiya of Izumi Province, Kanpei-taisha, Beppyo jinja
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Legend: The hero’s final destination, where he descended as a white bird
The most famous episode related to the founding of Ootori-taisha is the “Legend of the White Bird,” concerning Yamato Takeru no Mikoto’s final moments.
After completing his western and eastern campaigns, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto fell ill and collapsed on Nobono (のぼの) in Ise. It is said that his soul transformed into a large, pure white bird (a white swan) and soared high into the sky. The white bird landed first at Kotohikihara (ことひきはら) in Yamato, then at Furuichi (ふるいち) in Kawachi, and its final descent was here, in the land of Ootori.
When the white bird landed here, it is said that a dense forest appeared around it overnight. This is believed to be the origin of Chigusa no Mori (ちぐさのもり), the forest that still envelops the shrine grounds today. The white bird then flew off into the sky once more. People revered the spot, built a shrine, and enshrined the kami, which is considered the origin of Ootori-taisha.
Mystery: The enigma of “Chigusa no Mori,” which formed overnight
Chigusa no Mori, covering approximately 15,000 tsubo (about 49,500 square meters) of the shrine grounds, holds a mysterious legend that cannot be explained by science.
According to the legend, when the white bird landed, it was merely a barren field, but overnight, all kinds of trees grew thick, transforming it into a deep forest. This is why it was named “Chigusa” (meaning “a thousand kinds of plants”).
What is particularly interesting is the vegetation of this forest. There is an anecdote of a scholar who once surveyed the area, exclaiming, “It is extremely rare to find such a diverse mixture of naturally growing trees in such a confined space!” A truly mystical ecosystem, seemingly supporting the legend, is preserved here to this day.
Architectural Story: Ootori-zukuri, one of the oldest styles
The main hall (honden) of Ootori-taisha features a highly valuable style in the history of shrine architecture, known as “Ootori-zukuri (おおとりづくり).”
It is said to be a simplified version of Izumo Taisha’s “Taisha-zukuri,” adopting a kirizuma-zukuri (gabled roof) and tsumairi (entrance on the gable end) form. Along with Ise Jingu’s “Shinmei-zukuri” and Izumo Taisha’s “Taisha-zukuri,” it is characterized by preserving a very ancient architectural style.
Although the current shrine building was rebuilt in the Meiji era, its design faithfully reproduces ancient blueprints. Its linear and powerful appearance exudes an dignity befitting the image of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, who was revered as a god of war.
Power Spot for Good Fortune in Competition and the Place Name “Ootori”
Ootori-taisha is also known as a “kami of victory.” As Yamato Takeru no Mikoto was a hero who accomplished difficult expeditions, there is a constant stream of worshippers praying for success in exams, competitions, or overcoming life’s challenges.
Furthermore, the place name for this area, “Ootori (おおとり),” also derives from Ootori-taisha. The kanji for “Ootori” remaining in station and town names is proof that the Legend of the White Bird is deeply rooted in this land.
The Heat of the Festival: Ootori Danjiri Matsuri
The Ootori Danjiri Matsuri, held every October, is known as a dedication event to Ootori-taisha.
The main highlight of this festival is the “Yarimawashi” performed in front of Ootori-taisha’s torii gate. The magnificent sight of huge danjiri floats turning corners at high speed is truly impressive, making it one of Sakai’s representative and exciting events that speaks to the strong community bonds and deep faith.
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Ootori-taisha: the final land chosen by the soul of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
Step inside, and the tranquility of Chigusa no Mori will envelop you, making you forget the urban hustle and bustle. While feeling the spirit of the hero who flew off as a white bird, why not pray for your own “soaring success”?
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