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Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine (Ishikiri-san) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine, commonly known as "Ishikiri-san," is an ancient shrine located in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and has long been known for its strong belief in healing illnesses, safe childbirth, and protection from evil. It has been revered by local people for many years, and has a constant stream of worshippers, especially those who believe that it can cure illnesses. The approach to the shrine is lined with health-related shops offering prayers, amulets, fortune-telling, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and more, and one of its great features is that many people visit for consultations in addition to praying.
Highlights
- Main hall and worship hall: A shrine with a solemn atmosphere where prayers are held in front of the gods (prayer services require prior application and may incur a fee).
- Approach to the shrine (Ishikiri Approach Shopping Street): The approach to the shrine, which continues from Ishikiri Station, is lined with souvenir shops, prayer halls, Chinese herbal medicine pharmacies, fortune-telling shops and more, making it a fun street to stroll through.
- Ema and talismans: There are many talismans, including those specifically designed for praying for recovery from illness and safe childbirth, as well as unique votive plaques and charms. They can be purchased at the shrine office.
- Prayer and consultation centers: In addition to receiving individual prayers, requests, and prayers for recovery from illness, some stores also offer consultations regarding treatment.
- Stoneworks and monuments within the temple grounds: There are remains scattered around the temple grounds that give a sense of history, such as old stone monuments and lion-dog statues.
- Seasonal festivals and events: The shrine is especially lively during the annual festival and New Year's first shrine visit of the year.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station:
- Ishikiri Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line: About a 10-minute walk (the most common route is up the approach from the station).
- Kintetsu Keihanna Line (direct connection to Osaka Metro) "Shin-Ishikiri Station": Approximately 12 to 15 minutes walk.
- The Kintetsu Railway is convenient for getting to the shrine from within Osaka City (Namba and Uehommachi areas). Access is good from Uehommachi and Namba, so it is common to visit the shrine by train.
- You can also visit by car, but the roads around the approach to the shrine are narrow and prone to congestion, so we recommend using public transportation. There may be paid parking lots nearby, but the number of spaces is limited.
- Please note that the opening hours of shrine offices and prayer counters often vary from facility to facility, and if you visit early in the morning or at night, the prayer reception desk will be closed.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visit only: Approximately 15 to 30 minutes (visiting the main hall and strolling around the grounds).
- Visiting the shrine and strolling along the approach to the shrine (including shopping and eating): Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- For prayer or individual consultations: 30 minutes to 1 hour or more (varies depending on reservation status and content).
Nearby spots
- Hiraoka Shrine: A historic shrine in Higashi-Osaka City, accessible from Ishikiri. Enjoy nature and a tour of the ancient shrine.
- Hanazono Rugby Stadium: Known as a rugby mecca, it is bustling when events are held (easy access by car or train).
- Fuse (neighborhood shopping area): This area is perfect for dining and shopping, making it a convenient place to stop by on your way home from worship.
- Nearby hot springs and public baths: There are hot spring facilities scattered around the area where you can stop by when you get tired from visiting the shrines (depending on the season).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The approach to the shrine gets very crowded during New Year's visits, festivals, weekends, and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday morning.
- Manners: At shrines, observe basic worship etiquette, such as bowing once before passing through the torii gate, purifying your hands at the temizuya before praying, and bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once more in front of the main hall. Please remain quiet during prayers or when priests are holding events.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in many places within the temple grounds, but please refrain from taking photos during prayers, in the shrine office, or during individual consultations. Please follow the instructions posted and given by the staff.
- Walking in the shopping district: The approach to the shrine is very busy and narrow in places. Please avoid carrying large luggage or bicycles, and walk with consideration for those around you.
- Seasonal precautions: Take precautions against the heat in summer and the cold in winter. When it rains, the slope of the approach to the shrine can become slippery, so be careful where you step.
- Prayers and Charms: Prayers and the issuance of charms and amulets often incur a fee, and cash is often required (cards may not be accepted). Please check in advance.
Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine is a shrine and temple where you can enjoy both the actual worship and the atmosphere of the approach. Many people visit to pray for recovery from illness or safe childbirth, but the local lifestyle and culture and the bustling shopping district are also attractive, so if you have time, be sure to take a stroll around the area.
