Enshrined within the sacred grounds of Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja, two pivotal figures command attention. The deities enshrined here at Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja are none other than the father-son duo, Nigihayahi no Mikoto and Ume-no-iwakura. According to legend, around 2700 years ago, Ume-no-iwakura enshrined his father, Nigihayahi no Mikoto, on Mount Iwakura in the Ikoma Mountains. This act marked the founding of Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja. The shrine’s name, “Ishikiri Tsurugiya,” reflects the immense power of the enshrined deity. This power could even cleave solid rock. The name echoes the deity’s awe-inspiring presence. Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja is famous for the Ohyakudo-mairi, a pilgrimage route between the main hall and the shrine entrance. The path winds through a hundred stones, attracting visitors nationwide. While a fire destroyed the original shrine buildings and treasures, obscuring its exact origins, some details have survived. Records indicate that in 865 AD, the Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja was granted the lower-fifth court rank. This historical fact emphasizes the shrine’s importance even in ancient times. The shrine has endured through the ages, facing destruction by fire during the late Muromachi period and relocation to its current location. Today, Ishikiri Tsurugiya Jinja stands as the headquarters of the Shinto Ishikiri sect. It continues to draw pilgrims and visitors who seek blessings and a connection to Japan’s rich spiritual heritage.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It