Hiraoka Shrine

Hiraoka Shrine, located in Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is a prestigious ancient shrine that has long drawn veneration as the first shrine of Kawachi Province. Because its deities were branched off to Kasuga Taisha in Nara, it is also called the "Original Kasuga." Located at the western foot of Mount Ikoma, its grounds, embraced by rich nature, are a power spot filled with refreshing air. It enshrines four deities: Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, Himegami, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, and Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto.

Highlights

• Nade-Jika (Stroking Deer): As at Kasuga Taisha, deer serving as the gods' messengers are revered. It is said that stroking the "nade-jika" deer statues in the grounds makes wishes come true, popular for blessings of marital harmony and family safety.
• Solemn Halls: Dignified halls befitting the first shrine of Kawachi stand quietly in the deep-green grounds.
• View Toward Mount Ikoma: From the elevated grounds, you can also enjoy a view across the Osaka Plain.

Enjoying the Seasons

Cherry blossoms in spring and foliage and a plum grove in autumn are beautiful, and the "Hiraoka Plum Grove" in the grounds, a scenic spot designated by Higashi-Osaka City, is known as an early-spring landmark. You can enjoy worship in every season while feeling the nature unique to the foot of Mount Ikoma. The year-end and New Year period bustles with first-visit worshippers, and on December 23 the distinctive "sacred rope rite (laughing festival)," said to invite spring through laughter, is held. On January 15, the "rice-porridge divination rite," which foretells the harvest using rice and red beans, is also performed, both cherished as folk cultural traditions.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 7-16 Izumoi-cho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
• Access: Right in front of Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line
• Hours: Grounds open freely (amulet office and shrine office staffed during the day)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Time to allow: About 30 minutes for worship at the main hall and a stroll around the grounds. Allow around an hour if you also want to enjoy the plum grove and the view from the elevated grounds.
• Close to the station: With the approach right in front of Kintetsu Hiraoka Station, access by train is convenient. It is also the starting point of a hiking course up Mount Ikoma.
• Timing of rites: The "laughing rite" on December 23 and the "porridge divination rite" on January 15 are highlights unique to this shrine. Timing your visit to them lets you connect more deeply with local faith.
• Combining with nearby spots: Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine (Ishikiri-san) in the same Higashi-Osaka City is linked along the Kintetsu lines, and this area is popular for a tour of Higashi-Osaka's ancient shrines.

A Quick Tip

Try stroking the "nade-jika" deer statues to wish for marital harmony and family safety. Along with excellent access right in front of the station, it is also the starting point of a Mount Ikoma hiking course, so visiting along with a nature walk is recommended. Touring Higashi-Osaka's ancient shrines together with Ishikiri Shrine is also a good idea.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the shrine's guidance about the history of Hiraoka Shrine (Kawachi's first shrine, also called Moto-Kasuga), the pat-the-deer statue, the Hiraoka plum grove (a city-designated scenic spot), the December 23 shimenawa rite (the laughing rite) and the January 15 rice-gruel divination rite, and tourism information for Higashiosaka City. It also draws on guidance for the Mount Ikoma hiking course. Reception hours and rite dates may change, so please confirm with official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes for the main hall and precinct; about an hour if you also enjoy the plum grove and hilltop view.
• How to get around: The approach is right in front of Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, also the start of the Mount Ikoma hike.
• Rite timing: Timing your visit to the December 23 laughing rite or the January 15 gruel divination gives deeper insight into local faith.
• Best season: Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors with the plum grove (early spring) are beautiful.
• Admission: The precinct is open and admission is free.
• Also enjoy: An old-shrine tour combined with Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine in the same city is recommended.