About Hiraoka Shrine
Hiraoka Shrine is the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Kawachi Province, located in Izumoi-cho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. It is said to have been founded three years before Emperor Jimmu’s enthronement (663 BC), and is also known as the original Kasuga Taisha shrine. The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1826 (Bunsei 9), and the grounds, surrounded by the rich nature at the foot of Mount Ikoma, offer a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain.
Deities and Benefits
Main Deities
- Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto
- Hime-Mikami
- Futsunushi-no-Mikoto
- Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto
Main Benefits
- Matchmaking and Marital Harmony: Because it enshrines the married couple deities Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Hime-Mikami
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Revered since ancient times as the Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Kawachi Province
- Academic Success: Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto is the god of learning
- Protection from Evil and Misfortune: Protected by two warrior gods
Points to Note When Visiting
Main Shrine and Subsidiary Shrines
The main shrine is an elegant Kasuga-style building, and its vermilion-painted structure stands out beautifully against the greenery. Within the temple grounds are several smaller shrines, including Wakamiya Shrine and Tenjin Chigi Shrine, each offering different blessings.
Plum Grove and Seasonal Scenery
Approximately 500 plum trees are planted on the grounds, and the red and white plum blossoms bloom profusely from late February to early March. Known affectionately as “Hiraoka Plum Grove,” it attracts many visitors during the plum blossom festival. The autumn foliage is also beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Observation Spot
From the hilltop within the temple grounds, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain, and on clear days, you can even see Osaka Castle and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The view at sunset is particularly spectacular.
Annual Events
- February 11th: Kigen-sai (Foundation Festival)
- Late February to Early March: Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival)
- October 14th & 15th: Akigo-sai (Danjiri Festival)
- December 23rd: Shimenawa-kake Shinto Ritual (Laughing Ritual)
The “Laughing Ritual” in particular is famous as a unique ritual where all worshippers laugh together (“Wah-ha-ha!”) to ward off evil for the year.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Kintetsu Nara Line “Hiraoka Station”: Approximately 5 minutes on foot (nearest station)
- Kintetsu Nara Line “Nukata Station”: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
The journey from Osaka Namba Station to Hiraoka Station takes approximately 20 minutes, and the fare is about 300 yen one way.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Mizuhashi Exit of the Hanshin Expressway Route 13 Higashi-Osaka Line
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Ichibu Ramp of the Daini-Hanna Expressway
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 30 cars, may be crowded during the plum blossom festival)
Visiting Hours
- Shrine Grounds: Open all day
- Shrine Office: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions
- Mt. Ikoma: Starting point for hiking trails
- Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine: Approximately 10 minutes by car
- Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Museum: Approximately 15 minutes by car
Hiraoka Shrine is one of Osaka’s leading power spots where you can enjoy history, nature, and views all at once.
