Takamagahara Koshikiiwa Jinja
Map
An ancient shrine in the hills behind Nishinomiya City, enshrining a massive 30-meter-tall sacred boulder (koshikiiwa) as its divine body. The site is said to be where the gods of the heavens descended to earth, and it is widely regarded as a powerful spiritual site.
Sacred Site Info
- Type
- Iwakura (sacred rock)
- Legend
- The object of worship is a huge granite rock that has been revered as an iwakura since ancient times. It is also said that the name Koshikiiwa comes from its resemblance to a koshiki, a tool for steaming sake rice. It is a sacred rock associated with an old shrine recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
- Element
- Rock, light, wind
History & Origins
This enormous sacred rock (iwakura) has been an object of veneration since the Jomon and Yayoi periods. Regarded as the original shrine (moto-miya) of Hirota Jinja, it was the center of ancient worship in the Kobe and Hanshin region.
Highlights
The massive 30-meter Koshikiiwa rock itself, panoramic views of Osaka Bay from within the precincts, and the clean, sacred air beneath the ancient trees are the highlights.
Visitor Guide
It is possible to climb onto the sacred rock using ropes (take great care). The view extends to Kobe and Osaka city. The shrine is accessible along a hiking trail.
Best Season
Late spring through autumn. Clear days offer especially spectacular panoramic views.
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