Horikoshi Shrine – The Hitoyume Prayer will make your once-in-a-lifetime wish come true!

Horikoshi Shrine is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku in memory of his uncle, the 32nd Emperor Sushun, on Chausuyama, and is one of the seven shrines of Shitennoji. The name “Horikoshi” comes from the beautiful moat along the south side of the temple grounds from ancient times until the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), and people crossed this moat to visit the shrine. In Osaka, there is a legend that “Horikoshi-san is the god who grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes,” and the shrine has long been popular and has been featured in numerous media and magazines. This is a thorough explanation of such Osaka Horikoshi Shrine.

1. What kind of benefit does it offer?

Horikoshi Shrine is famous for granting once-in-a-lifetime wishes, and it is said that this benefit can be obtained through a prayer called “Hitoyume Prayer.” It is said that if you write down your wish on a strip of paper and put it in an omamori bag and carry it with you on a regular basis, your wish will come true. However, “Hitoyume Prayer” must be reserved in advance. Please note that prayers cannot be accepted on the same day by going directly to the shrine. *In case of sending by mail, no prior reservation is required.

※Click the photo to enlarge.

If you would like to make a once-in-a-lifetime request, why not make your request using the official website of Horikoshi Shrine’s Hitoyume Prayer?
Horikoshi Shrine Website

2. Origin and History of Horikoshi Shrine

※Click the photo to enlarge.

As briefly mentioned at the beginning of this article, Horikoshi Shrine was founded by Prince Shotoku during the reign of the 33rd Emperor Suiko, in memory of his uncle, the 32nd Emperor Sushun, at the same time as the construction of Shitennoji Temple. Horikoshi Shrine is also one of the seven shrines of Shitennoji, and it is said that seven shrines were built to protect Shitennoji.

The seven shrines are as follows. Oe Shrine, Horikoshi Shrine, Kawahori Inao Shrine, Kubo Shrine, Kaminomiya Shrine, Kogi Shrine, and Dotou Shrine.

Of these, Oe Shrine is said to be a combination of three shrines: Kamikogi Shrine, Dotou Shrine, and Kaminomiya Shrine. It is said to worship Toyoke Ookami (the deity of the outer shrine of Ise) as its main deity, which is considered the same as the deity Inari. All of the shrines are located near Tennoji Temple, so you can feel the history of those days even more by visiting them together with Horikoshi Shrine.

3. Shrine Red Seal

The first fee for a red seal is 300 yen. Red seal hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but they wrote it for us even when we visited around 6:00 p.m. If you visit late in the day, you may want to check directly with the shrine office.

4. There are seven highlights!

4-1. Deified tree

The tree is 500 years old. It has withstood numerous lightning strikes and large fires, and is still cherished by many people as a tree where the spirit of the gods dwells and descends. It is said that when one feels down in spirits or tired, it is good to draw on the power of this sacred tree.

4-2. The God of Good Luck Charms and Money

Also known as “Chinpaku,” it is the original deity of good luck charms and money. As it is called “Chinpaku,” the first of its divine effects is to pacify the family home. Next, various rituals are performed using spirit charms and sacred objects for health, family harmony, and prosperity of the family business. The spirit charms are also considered to be the highest in Yin-Yang Dao, as they are regarded as the cosmic root deity at the center of the creation of heaven and earth. 72 spirit charms with tremendous power that are said to protect people from calamities are said to be offered at Horikoshi Shrine during the “Hoshi Matsuri” held on Setsubun (spring) and Tanabata (Star Festival).

4-3. Chausuyama Inari Shrine

Chausuyama Inari Shrine is believed to be the god of prosperity and good fortune. It was originally enshrined at the top of Chausuyama in Tennoji. Chausu-zan Inari saved Tokugawa Ieyasu from a tight spot during the Osaka Summer Campaign, and the shrine has since been enshrined at its present location due to the strong faith of Ieyasu in the shrine.

4-4. Kumano First Prince Shrine (the shrine that was the starting point of the Kumano Pilgrimage)

This shrine was the starting point of the Kumano Pilgrimage to the three Kumano Sanzan shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha), which are designated as World Heritage sites. Before the pilgrimage to Kumano Sanzan, the pilgrims visited 99 Ojisha shrines that enshrine the spirit of Kumano Gongen, and this shrine is said to be the first of the 99 Ojisha shrines.

4-5.6. Black and White Dragon Shrines

This is the White Dragon Shrine.

This is the Black Dragon Shrine. It is located across a sacred tree. The black and white dragon gods are enshrined here and are said to bring blessings for business development.

4-7. Frog Stone

It is a sacred stone shaped like a frog. It is said that there is a benefit of returning. It is said that by pouring water on it with a ladle and praying, you will be blessed with the return of what you have lost.

5. Basic information

6. Access

By train

About 10-15 minutes walk from Tennoji Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line, JR Kansai Line, JR Osaka Loop Line, and JR Hanwa Line

About 10-15 minutes walk from Osaka Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line.

By bus or car

Hanshin Expressway Tennoji Exit, approx. 3 min.
Car Navigation Map Code 1 226 718*52
Parking: 3 spaces
Fee: Free

7. Summary

This is an introduction to Horikoshi Shrine. Although it faces a busy street, once you step into the shrine grounds, the quiet and calm atmosphere will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city of Tennoji. The quiet atmosphere gave me a sense of the quiet power to make once-in-a-lifetime requests come true. It would be best if you could make an appointment in advance to pray for a dream, but just visiting this precious power spot is sure to bring you good fortune, so please come and visit.

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