Iwa Shrine

Standing in Ichinomiyacho, Shiso City in Hyogo, Iwa Shrine is a venerable old sanctuary that has gathered deep faith since ancient times as the first shrine of Harima Province. Its precinct, wrapped in deep cedar forest, is filled with a solemn air, and in a stillness untouched by tourism you can feel its endless history with your whole body.

The enshrined deity is Onamuchi, also called Okuninushi and the great deity Iwa. According to shrine tradition, a sacred place where thousands of cedars and cypresses grew lush appeared in a single night, and two cranes flew there and slept on a stone facing north. The hall was built where they had rested. This Crane Stone is still carefully honored as the rock where the deity descended. The shrine is known for a wide range of blessings, including industry, matchmaking, recovery from illness, and traffic safety.

Highlights

- The Crane Stone, said to be where the deity descended - A solemn approach and precinct surrounded by aged cedars - The dignified hall befitting the first shrine of Harima - Worship as a god of fortune and matchmaking

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh greenery the whole forest is wrapped in vivid green, and you can pray in refreshing air. In autumn the trees color and the deep forest harmonizes beautifully with the hall. Around the time of the autumn grand festival you can also see the lively local celebration handed down here.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Sugyome, Ichinomiyacho, Shiso City, Hyogo - Access: About 20 minutes by car from the Yamasaki Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. By public transport, use a bus from JR Himeji Station - Hours: Grounds open freely - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

Since it is a quiet old shrine in the mountains, visiting by car is convenient. Note the unusual arrangement of the main hall facing north. It is best to take your time and pray slowly while breathing in the air of the forest.