Experience a health prayer and a hundred-day pilgrimage at Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine! A pilgrimage guide that also includes fortune telling and a stroll through the shopping street.

What is Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine?

The Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine, affectionately known as "Ishikiri-san," is famous as the god of boils and tumors, and many people visit to pray for recovery from illness. In front of the main hall stands a camphor tree approximately 500 years old, which has been designated a natural monument of Higashi-Osaka City.

What kind of belief is "Ohyakudo Mairi"?

One of the most iconic features of Ishikiri Shrine is the "Hyakudo Mairi" (hundred-time pilgrimage). This ancient Japanese method of prayer involves repeatedly making a wish while walking back and forth between two Hyakudo Stones within the shrine grounds. The sight of worshippers patiently walking back and forth speaks volumes about the depth of their faith. For tourists from overseas, the Hyakudo Mairi is a valuable experience that allows them to feel close to Japanese religious culture.

What kind of shops are there on Ishikiri Sando?

The stone-cut approach to the shrine is lined with numerous fortune-telling shops where you can experience a variety of divination methods, including palmistry and Four Pillars of Destiny. Furthermore, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a charming old town with long-established Japanese confectionery shops, pickle shops, and souvenir shops lining the street. By strolling through the shopping street in conjunction with your visit to the shrine, you can enjoy both religious devotion and sightseeing.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Throughout the year, various events are held, such as New Year's visits, summer festivals, and Setsubun festivals, allowing visitors to enjoy a different atmosphere in each season. The mild weather of spring and autumn makes it ideal for strolling along the approach to the shrine, and it is bustling with many tourists and locals alike. In recent years, the number of foreign tourists has also increased, making it a popular tourist spot attracting visitors from both within Japan and overseas.

What is a reasonable length of stay?

A visit to the shrine alone takes about an hour, while adding fortune-telling or a stroll through the shopping street will bring the total to around two hours. The Ishikiri area's appeal lies in its flexibility, allowing you to enjoy everything from a short visit to a half-day tour, depending on your schedule. It's a spot that's easy to incorporate into your sightseeing route.

How do I get to Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine?

The temple boasts excellent access, being approximately a 15-minute walk from Ishikiri Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line and a 7-minute walk from Shin-Ishikiri Station on the Kintetsu Keihanna Line. It's also conveniently located for day trips, as it can be reached in about 30 minutes from central Osaka (including Hommachi).