Ishi no Hoden (Ishi Shrine)

Overview

The enshrined deities (kami) are Ohokomochi-no-Mikoto (Okuninushi) and Sukonahikona-no-Mikoto. The sacred object (goshintai) is a massive stone structure known as 'Ishi no Hoden' (Stone Treasure Hall), measuring 6.4 meters wide, 5.7 meters high, and 7.2 meters deep; it remains a mystery who built it, when, and for what purpose. Because it appears to be floating on the water's surface, it is also called 'Ukiishi' (Floating Stone) and is designated as a National Historic Site. It is one of the 'Nihon San-ki' (Three Wonders of Japan), alongside the Shio-gama of Shiogama Shrine in Miyagi and the Ameyeshi-hoko of Kirishima Higashi Shrine in Miyazaki.

Highlights

• ・Ishi no Hoden (a giant stone structure measuring 6.4m wide, 5.7m high, and 7.2m deep)
• ・One of the 'Nihon San-ki' (Three Wonders of Japan)
• ・National Historic Site
• ・The 'Ukiishi' (Floating Stone) that appears to float on the water