About Horikoshi Shrine
Horikoshi Shrine is a historic shrine located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City. Its founding dates back to the time of Prince Shotoku, and it is said to have been established at the same time as the construction of Shitennoji Temple.
The shrine grounds are lined with red torii gates, and it has long been cherished by locals as a “shrine that grants one wish in a lifetime.”
History and Origins
Origin of Founding
Horikoshi Shrine is said to have been founded during the reign of Empress Suiko (593 AD), and it is one of the seven shrines of Shitennoji Temple, established by Prince Shotoku at the same time as the temple’s construction. It was formerly located south of Shitennoji Temple and north of Chausuyama Hill, and it is said that the name “Horikoshi” (meaning “crossing a moat”) came from the fact that worshippers had to cross a moat to visit the shrine.
Deities Enshrined
The main deity is Emperor Sushun, the 32nd Emperor and uncle of Prince Shōtoku. Enshrined alongside him are Empress Kotehime, Nishikiori Kubina, and Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Benefits
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wish
The most distinctive feature of Horikoshi Shrine is the legend that it grants “a once-in-a-lifetime wish.” For centuries, people of Osaka have visited this shrine at important turning points in their lives or when they have a heartfelt wish.
Main Benefits
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Good fortune at turning points in life
- Matchmaking: Benefits for forming good relationships
- Protection from Evil: Protection from misfortune and protection
- Business Prosperity: Success and prosperity in business
- Healing from Illness: Prayers for recovery of health
Points to Note When Visiting
How to Visit
- Passing Through the Torii Gate: Bow before entering the shrine grounds
- Purifying at the Water Basin: Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order
- Worshiping at the Main Shrine: Worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow ritual
- Focus on One Wish: Pray wholeheartedly as if it were a “once-in-a-lifetime wish”
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
The Path of Red Torii Gates: The rows of red torii gates within the shrine grounds are an iconic sight of Horikoshi Shrine. As you pass through the torii gate, your mind shifts from the secular world to the sacred realm.
A Single Dream Prayer
Within the shrine grounds, there is a special prayer area called “A Single Dream Prayer,” where you can dedicate a strip of paper on which you have written your wish.
Sacred Tree
There is a sacred tree said to be several hundred years old, and visitors pray to it as a power spot.
Amulets and Souvenirs
- One Dream Amulet: An amulet for a once-in-a-lifetime wish
- Good Fortune Amulet: An amulet to bring daily good fortune
- Matchmaking Amulet: An amulet for finding a good partner
- Goshuin (Temple Seal): A commemorative item for your visit
Access
Access by Train
Nearest Station
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Exit 4 of Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line
Access by Car
Approximately 5 minutes from the Fuminosato Exit of the Hanshin Expressway Route 14 Matsubara Line. There is no dedicated parking lot; please use nearby coin parking.
Visiting Information
- Address: 1-8 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from approximately 9:00 to 17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Official Website: Please check the latest information before visiting
Nearby Attractions
Horikoshi Shrine is conveniently located near Shitennoji Temple and Tennoji Park, making it an ideal stop for sightseeing in Osaka.
- Shitennoji Temple: Approximately 10 minutes on foot, an ancient temple founded by Prince Shotoku
- Tennoji Park: Approximately 10 minutes on foot, an urban oasis
- Abeno Harukas: Approximately 15 minutes on foot, Japan’s tallest building
After visiting the shrine, you can enjoy a fulfilling day by exploring the surrounding historical sites and commercial facilities.
