The first-ranked shrine of Harima Province: Iwa Shrine
A power spot combining history and nature
Iwa Shrine, which has attracted the faithful since ancient times as the first-ranked shrine of Harima Province, is a venerable place with a sense of history and stateliness. The main god, Oonamuchi-no-Kami, is known as the god of agriculture and industry, but is also worshipped as a god of marriage, recovery from illness, road safety, and other domains.
The vast shrine grounds are dotted with multiple subordinate shrines and highlights, and we recommend a leisurely stroll as you take in the impressive atmosphere and natural world of the four seasons. One notable aspect is the legend of the Tsuruishi (crane rock) behind the main shrine, which is the reason for the north-facing main shrine building—also a point of interest. The story says that during the night a crane would swoop down and sleep on the rock, and because of this the shrine was built facing north.
In October each year, a great fall festival is held with an impressive combination of five festival floats. The shrine also holds the Fuchinsai festival (aburamandosai festival) in August, which creates a fantastical atmosphere with the glow of votive lights.
The vast shrine grounds are dotted with multiple subordinate shrines and highlights, and we recommend a leisurely stroll as you take in the impressive atmosphere and natural world of the four seasons. One notable aspect is the legend of the Tsuruishi (crane rock) behind the main shrine, which is the reason for the north-facing main shrine building—also a point of interest. The story says that during the night a crane would swoop down and sleep on the rock, and because of this the shrine was built facing north.
In October each year, a great fall festival is held with an impressive combination of five festival floats. The shrine also holds the Fuchinsai festival (aburamandosai festival) in August, which creates a fantastical atmosphere with the glow of votive lights.
Area
Category
Basic information
- Zip code
- 〒671-4133
- Address
- 407 Sugyome Shiso-shi 兵庫県
- Telephone Number
- 0790-72-0075
- Fees
- Free
- Access (car)
- Approx. 20 mins from the Yamasaki IC on the Chugoku Expressway
- Access (public transport)
- Shinki Bus: Approx. 60 mins from JR Himeji Station north exit, alight at Yamasaki, change to a bus travelling toward Yokoyama/Minagi for approx. 30 mins, alight at Ichinomiya Iwa Shrine, and the shrine is a very short walk away
- Parking
- Regular vehicles: 180 (free)
