Kishiki-jinja Shrine

In short

The main guardian shrine of Kishiwada Castle and the birthplace of the Kishiwada Festival, well known for its danjiri floats. It is said to have originated as a Shinmei shrine built by local farmers to pray for bountiful harvests. During the Nanboku-cho period, the deity of Kyoto's Yasaka-jinja Shrine was invited and enshrined here, leading it to be called Gozu Tenno-sha Shrine, and it was renamed Kishiki-jinja Shrine in the first year of the Meiji era (1868).

• ​Miyairi of the Kishiwada Festival​​: On the day before Respect for the Aged Day in September, the shrine becomes very lively with the festival's miyairi (shrine entry), and the sight of the danjiri rushing up the Konakara-zaka slope is breathtaking
• ​"Chigiri no Ito" for Matchmaking​​: Because Kishiwada Castle was once called Chikiri Castle, many people visit to pray to the deity of matchmaking. It is said that if you receive the two red and white threads called "Chigiri no Ito" at the amulet counter and tie them at the designated offering area, your romantic wishes will be fulfilled
• ​Toka Ebisu Grand Festival​​: Since the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival was held in 1930 (Showa 5), the number of worshippers has grown

History and Highlights

​Kishiki-jinja Shrine​ is located to the east of the Kishiwada Castle tower and serves as the main guardian shrine of Kishiwada Castle. As a deity protecting the village, town, and coast, it has been revered by successive castle lords and local residents.

It is said to have originated when local farmers built a Shinmei shrine to pray for bountiful harvests. During the Nanboku-cho period, the deity of Kyoto's Yasaka-jinja Shrine was invited and enshrined here, leading it to be called Gozu Tenno-sha Shrine and serving as the guardian shrine of Kishiwada Village. Later, when Koide Hidemasa built Kishiwada Castle, Hachiman Okami was enshrined together. Although it had been venerated under the name "Omiya," it was renamed Kishiki-jinja Shrine in the first year of the Meiji era (1868). The current shrine pavilion was completed in August 2008 through the support and donations of parishioners and worshippers.

The enshrined deity, Amaterasu Omikami, has been revered since ancient times as the ubusunagami (local guardian deity) of this area. Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Hondawake-no-Mikoto are also enshrined together.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Miyairi of the Kishiwada Festival​​: Kishiki-jinja Shrine is the birthplace of the Kishiwada Festival, which is famous for its danjiri floats. On the day before Respect for the Aged Day in September, the shrine becomes lively with the festival's miyairi (shrine entry), and the sight of the danjiri rushing up the Konakara-zaka slope is breathtaking.
• ​"Chigiri no Ito" for Matchmaking​​: Because Kishiwada Castle was once called Chikiri Castle, many people visit this shrine to pray to the deity of matchmaking. It is said that if you receive the two red and white threads called "Chigiri no Ito" at the amulet counter and tie them at the designated offering area, your romantic wishes will be fulfilled.
• ​Toka Ebisu Grand Festival​​: Since the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival was first held in 1930, the number of worshippers has grown.

Walking Tips

It is a 6-minute walk from Takojizo Station and an 8-minute walk from Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Main Line. Kishiwada Castle tower is about 170 meters to the west, allowing you to walk around the castle area together with the garden of Gofuso to the south and Jisen Kaikan to the north.