Photo: ChiefHira, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Oushiko Jinja Shrine
shrine
Oushiko Jinja Shrine
生石神社
Overview
This shrine dates back to around 97 CE, when a plague was sweeping across Japan.
Oushiko Jinja Shrine dates to around 97 CE and was reportedly built to house a massive natural monolith called the Ishi no Hoden, a 453,000-kilogram rock that appears to float above a pond, supported only by a hidden pillar. Local lore says an emperor was told in a dream to build a sanctuary around it. The main shrine building dates to 1844, rebuilt after a fire in 1807. One of the more unusual features inside is a collection of sangaku, votive tablets depicting mathematical puzzles that Edo-period arithmetic enthusiasts dedicated at shrines across the country.
Local tips
Purify your hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. Left hand first, then right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 生石神社
- Nearest station
- Kobe-Sannomiya Station (7 min walk)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
Accessibility
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