When you stand in front of the shrine grounds you’ll notice people praying by moving back and forth between the two Hyakudo-ishi stones. In Japan, the practice of “Oyakudo Mairi” has been followed since ancient times. It’s said that if you pray to the gods 100 times, your wish will come true. Many visitors participate in Oyakudo Mairi here.

You can obtain a string of prayers called “Oyakudo Himo” at the gift shop on the right side of the shrine grounds or at the Sukei Kaikan. By folding the string of prayers each time you complete a circuit of the shrine, you can keep track of how many times you've gone around.

Ishikiri Shrine is known as the “God of Denbo,” and it’s also revered as the “God of Cancer Prevention,” as it’s believed to help remove tumors. In today’s world, where peace reigns, medical technology has advanced, and life expectancy has increased, we still need to navigate the compromises of living with illness. Ishikiri Shrine has become a refuge for those facing such challenges.

The tops of the Hyakudo-ishi stones show signs of wear and have changed shape over time. This erosion may symbolize the deep desires of people who seek healing from their illnesses.