Iwafune Shrine

Overview

Iwafune Shrine is located in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture, nestled along the Tenno River valley. Its enshrined deity is "Amenoiwafune," a boat-shaped giant rock approximately 12 meters high and 12 meters long, lying across the Tenno River. This giant rock is said to be the rock boat that Ninigi-no-Mikoto (饒速日命) descended from the heavens upon, and it has been the object of people's faith since ancient times. The origins of Iwafune Shrine are unclear, but the Sendai Kuji Honki (先代旧事本紀) contains a legend that Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended on Amenoiwafune to Takeregamine (哮ヶ峯) in Kawakami, Kawachi Province. It was also the guardian deity of the Katano Mononobe clan, a branch of the powerful Mononobe clan that held sway over Katano, and it is believed that this clan was deeply involved in its establishment. In addition to the enshrined deity "Amenoiwafune," the shrine grounds contain a main hall, Iwafune Inari Shrine, Shinko Inari Shrine, Fudo Myoo, Amenoiwato Shrine, Yotsusha Myojin (the four deities of Sumiyoshi), and an office. "Amenoiwafune" itself is a cavern, and there's a cave exploration allowing visitors to explore its interior. The inside is dimly lit and has some narrow sections, so caution is advised. Iwafune Shrine has a long history of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. Various stone Buddhas remain on the grounds, including stone statues of the four principal deities of Sumiyoshi enshrined together as honchibutsu (本地仏) and a stone statue of Fudo Myoo. It's also known as a sacred site for mountain worship and Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and possesses a unique atmosphere where nature and faith blend together, including sites like the Byakuryu waterfall. Iwafune Shrine is easily accessible. It's about a 30-minute ride on the Nara Kotsu bus bound for Kitatawara from Kintetsu Ikoma Station, followed by a 10-minute walk from the terminal. For those traveling by car, there is parking available along Iwasen Street (old National Route 168). Nestled in a nature-rich environment within Osaka Prefecture, Iwafune Shrine is recommended for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax their body and mind. It's a precious place where you can fully enjoy history, faith, and nature.