It is said that the shrine was founded in 866 by imperial decree of Emperor Seiwa at a place associated with Emperor Nintoku. In 1583, during the reign of Emperor Masatomo, Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved the deity to its current location when he built Osaka Castle. However, the shrine was completely burned down during the Osaka air raids during World War II, leaving only one storehouse from the Edo period. The current main building was rebuilt after the war. The shrine is known as the setting for the classic rakugo stories "Takatsu no Tomi," "Takakura Fox," and "Sutokuin," and has long been a bustling cultural center for Osaka townspeople. Even today, rakugo performances by the fifth generation Katsura Bunshi and his family are regularly held at "Takatsu no Tomitei" on the grounds, and there is also a stone monument to Katsura Bunshi.