When you arrive at the Ema-den, take a moment to look up at the roof. There, you’ll find a magnificent sword and arrow. The name of the shrine reflects the powerful abilities of the enshrined deity, “Goshin’i,” who is believed to have the ability to cut through and penetrate even the strongest rocks.

A long time ago, during the period of myths in the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki,” the deity Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto received the Ten Divine Treasures from Amaterasu Omikami. When Mikoto came to this land, he married and had a child with the sister of Nagasunehiko, who was the leader of the clan that lived there before. Ishikiri Shrine honors both of these deities.

There’s an interesting story about this shrine. When Emperor Jimmu moved east to bring peace to the land, Mikoto was already in charge there. When Emperor Jimmu arrived, Nagasunehiko fought back strongly. However, when Mikoto and Emperor Jimmu each showed the Ama no Hahaya arrow to each other, which proved they were descendants of heaven, it became clear they both descended from Amaterasu Omikami.

Mikoto advised Nagasunehiko to become his subordinate, leading to the foundation of Yamato Province in this area. Over time, Mikoto’s lineage evolved into the Mononobe clan, which served the emperor.