Sumiyoshi Taisha has the history of 1800 years. It is the headquarters of Sumiyoshi-sha Shrines nationwide. The buildings are designated as National Treasure.This shrine an institution to worship Smiyoshi San-sin (three sea deities) and Empress Jingu. In 211 A.D., Sumiyoshi Oo-kami Sanctification Offeringwas held by Empress Jingu and Tamomi-no-sukune, who is said to have been the chief of a local clan, related by blood to Owari family descended from Amenoho-akari, a god turning up in Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). Deities worshipped at Taisha are mainly sea gods because they believe that the sea is the source of all the lives on the earth. The layout of the four sanctuaries, from First to Forth Sanctuaries is very unique. The sanctuaries stand as if they were a fleet going ahead through the ocean. It has been handed down by word of mouth that three sanctuaries going longwise represent Gyorin (fish scales) and one sanctuary spread sidewise represent Kakuyoku(crane wings); therefore this layout embodies Hachijin-no-Ho (Law of eightphalanx). One of the main ceremonies, Hattatsu Mairi, which used to be held once ayear, is presently held on the first day of every month. Also, Otaue-shinji(the ceremony of transplanting) in June and Natsu-Matsuri (Summer Festival) in July and August are famous.