“A single word can change your destiny,” the old woman whispered, her eyes twinkling as she gestured towards Katsuragi Shrine. “Be careful what you wish for here on the summit of Mount Kongo.” Katsuragi Shrine is a place of power. It has watched over Mount Kongo for centuries. It holds the weight of wishes both good and bad. The shrine’s history is intertwined with the mountain itself, a place revered since ancient times. En no Gyoja, a mystical mountain ascetic, established Katsuragi Shrine in 665. He dedicated it to Hitokotonushi no Okami, a god believed to fulfill wishes with a single word. Originally part of Tenporin-ji Temple, a site of “Shinbutsu-konkou,” the shrine survived the Meiji era’s separation of Shinto and Buddhist practices. While the temple faced closure, Katsuragi Shrine endured. It stands as a testament to the mountain’s enduring spiritual significance. The shrine we see today is a result of dedicated restoration efforts. The main hall was reconstructed in 1961. The Gohonzon, a sacred object of worship, was finally restored in 2011. Every year on July 7th, Katsuragi Shrine hosts the “Renge Daisai” festival. This event commemorates the death of En no Gyoja. It brings together mountain ascetics from across Japan to pray for the mountain’s safety during the summer months. Katsuragi Shrine holds a special place in the hearts of those seeking both spiritual solace and a challenging climb. Ascend Mount Kongo, feel the energy of the mountain, and make your wish at Katsuragi Shrine. But choose your words carefully. The god of a single word is listening.
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