Around the 4th century, Empress Jingū, during her expedition to Korea, encountered a storm in Harima Bay and stopped by this coast to pray to Sumiyoshi Daimyōjin, whereupon the wind and rain ceased. It is said that the Empress enshrined Sumiyoshi Daimyōjin here, marking the beginning of this shrine. In the Edo period, Akashi castle lord Ogasawara Tadamasa (later Tadazane) built a Noh stage, which is now designated as a tangible folk cultural property of the city. Until the Meiji era, Noh was performed during festivals and rain prayers, and in the Taisho era, kyogen was dedicated during the spring festival. Although it was discontinued during the Showa period, it was revived in Showa 49 by parishioners and enthusiasts and has been held since. In the general meeting held in Paris to decide the venue for the 2025 World Expo, the final presentation introduced the video of the Sumiyoshi Shrine Noh stage to the selection committee. This is a Japanese landscape to be proud of worldwide, why not experience it for yourself? You may discover the 'tradition' embedded in the scenery you usually see with new feelings.