Katano: From Hoshi no Buranko in Hoshida Park to Iwafune-jinja Shrine

This walking course takes you through Hoshida Park, part of the Osaka Prefectural Forest spreading across the mountains of Katano. You will cross Hoshi no Buranko, a large suspension bridge over the forest, and head toward Iwafune-jinja Shrine, which enshrines the giant rock Ame-no-Iwafune as its sacred object. As you will walk along unpaved mountain trails, please wear non-slip shoes.

History and Regional Charm

The Amano River flowing right by Hoshida Park is known as a site of the Tanabata legend, and a poem composed by Ariwara no Narihira when visiting this area remains recorded in The Tales of Ise (Ise Monogatari).

Legends of gods descending from heaven also remain in these mountains. It is handed down that Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto, said to be a distant ancestor deity of the Mononobe clan, descended upon "Takerugamine at Kawakami in Kawachi Province" riding in the Ame-no-Iwafune (heavenly rock boat), and Iwafune-jinja Shrine is regarded as the site of that descent. Takerugamine, a peak of giant rocks towering behind the climbing wall in Hoshida Park, is also legendary as a peak where Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto is said to have descended, and the boat-shaped giant rock that serves as the sacred object of Iwafune-jinja Shrine is believed to be that Ame-no-Iwafune.

Hoshida Park is one of the Prefectural Forests developed with forests and facilities by Osaka Prefecture to commemorate the centennial of the prefectural administration. Covering an area of 105 hectares, it offers seasonal views of mixed woods changing from budding to fresh green, autumn foliage, and falling leaves. Iwafune-jinja Shrine sits at the northern end of the Ikoma Mountains, on the border between the historic provinces of Kawachi and Yamato.

Key Highlights

• ​Hoshi no Buranko​​: A suspension bridge with a wooden deck, measuring 280 meters in total length and up to 50 meters above the ground. It is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan, allowing for an aerial stroll overlooking the forest spreading below. Its name reflects the wish for it to be a symbol of this home of the Tanabata legend and starry skies.
• ​Observation Spots and Megaliths of Hoshida Park​​: From the observation spot, you can overlook Hoshi no Buranko, Mount Hiei, the Hokusetsu Mountains, and the cityscape of Kyoto. Many giant rocks, including Takerugamine, are scattered across the park; however, because they are weathered and prone to crumbling, climbing them is prohibited.
• ​Ame-no-Iwafune and Cave Pilgrimage at Iwafune-jinja Shrine​​: The sacred object Ame-no-Iwafune behind the worship hall is a massive boat-shaped rock measuring 12 meters high and 12 meters wide, lying as if straddling the Amano River. The rock cave formed by overlapping megaliths has long been known as an ascetic training ground for Shintoists and practitioners of Shugendo, and general visitors can enter today. On a nearby large rock facing the Amano River, four Buddhist stone figures are carved.

Recommended Route and Travel Time

The estimated time required is about 5 hours. To reach Hoshida Park, it takes about 40 minutes on foot along a hiking course from Kisaichi Station on the Keihan Katano Line. However, when the Kawazoi-no-Michi (riverside path) on this course is closed to traffic, you cannot walk from Kisaichi Station. In that case, use the route from Hoshida Station on the JR Gakkentoshi Line via Hoshida Myokengu Shrine, which takes about 70 minutes on foot. Check the park announcements for trail conditions before departing.

Inside the park, a circuit starting from the Piton no Koya visitor center, crossing Hoshi no Buranko, passing Yamabiko Square, and returning takes about 1 hour. From Piton no Koya to Hoshi no Buranko, it takes about 15 minutes via the Bouken-no-Michi trail with consecutive stairs, or about 30 minutes along the gentle administrative road.

After crossing Hoshi no Buranko, head to Iwafune-jinja Shrine. The shrine is located about 740 meters east-southeast in a straight line from Hoshida Park. The park map downloadable from Hoshida Park's official website also includes Iwafune-jinja Shrine, so checking the route before departing provides peace of mind. Solo entry for the cave pilgrimage is refused, so please visit in a group of two or more. It is suspended on rainy days and may also be closed due to rain the previous day. Expect your clothes to get dirty.

On the return trip, it is about 3.5 kilometers and a 45-minute walk to Kisaichi Station. The Keihan Bus route that connected Kisaichi Station and Iwafune-jinja Shrine was discontinued in 2023 (Reiwa 5). If heading to Ikoma Station on the Kintetsu line, walk about 15 minutes to the Kitatawara bus stop, where you can take a Nara Kotsu bus to the Ikoma Station North Exit. Buses run approximately once an hour.

Summary of the Experience

Along the Amano River steeped in the Tanabata legend, cross a suspension bridge above the forest and stand before the giant rock said to have carried a deity. Enjoy a day following on foot the tales of stars and myths that remain in the mountains of Katano.