Ishikiri Shrine, Cures Everything from Boils to Cancer?

The closest station to Ishikiri Shrine is the Kintestsu Ishikiri Station off the Kintetsu Nara Line. From Ishikiri Station to the shrine it is a straight shot down the shopping street, so you won’t get lost. Once you get off at Ishikiri Station, you will see the shopping street.

Along the shopping street that leads to the shrine grounds are many vendors selling an array of things, including local goods. You will notice that there are also many fortune tellers here as well.

The reason why there are so many fortune tellers here is not entirely clear, but many people around Osaka consider the area near Mount Ikoma, which is near Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine, a very spiritual place.

Shrine Grounds

According to the shrine legend, the shrine originated 2,600 years ago when a god, Umashimade, enshrined his ancestor Nigihayahi no Mikoto.

According to the Kojiki, once Emperor Jimmu defeated his great nemesis Nagasunehiko and became the first emperor of Japan, the god Nigihayahi married Nagasunehiko’s sister. The couple then pledged their allegiance to Emperor Jimmu. Shortly thereafter, they gave birth to Umashimade. Later, Umashimade was also enshrined in the shrine as well.

The torii of Ishikiri Shrine is quite big and seemingly very modern.

As you approach the entrance of the shrine, you will see a symbol of sword above Ema-den.

Ishikiri Shrine enshrines a sword and arrow that are the embodiment of Nigihayahi no Mikoto. These sacred objects are rumored to be able to cut through anything. This is why people believe the shrine can cure abscesses or tumors, especially cancer; since these objects can cut through the surfer’s affliction.

Honden

Once you go through the gate, you will see people walking around two stone pillars, one closer to the entrance and one near the honden. This ritual is ohyakudo-mairi and is supposed to help someone fulfills their prayers once they walk around the pillars one-hundred times.

While ohyakudo-mairi is not uncommon, it is particularly popular here.

Ishikiri Shrine