I first visited this complex back in 2003 when, along with my wife and family, was hiking through the nearby Hoshida Park, and we stumbled-across this shrine by accident. Since that day I have frequented this site many times whenever I have been passing-through the area. There is something about this shrine that compels me to stop. It's not a huge complex. It's not isolated (it lies just off National Highway Route-163).
Maybe it's the compact manner in which the buildings occupy the site. As-soon-as you enter the grounds, via the Torii, you can't help but notice how everything is within close proximity and the visitor doesn't have to wander too far to get from one site to another. Throughout the grounds are figurines of horses; this being the Year of the Horse, which is one of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
My first stop is the Chozuya, where I perform my purification ritual before continuing my visit.
One can't help notice, as they tour the complex, how each construction is either built into, or against a boulder; the whole complex is surrounded by boulders and, with the sound of the running stream through the site, all adds to the beauty of Iwafune-jinja. At the rear of the complex is a Grotto and, for a small fee, one can take a wonder through the rocky outcrop.
And what would a shrine be without it's religious icons, in this instance Sekibutsu? Carvings like this one would expect to see, or be near, a Buddhist Temple: The general blueprint of a Shinto Shrine is Buddhism in origin.
It appears that every deity of Shintoism is represented here. Like this Sessha, dedicated to the Inari Okami. Unfortunately I am unable to provide any information regarding Iwafune-jinja. Maybe a return visit will be on the cards and, after I may be able to offer some insight into this quaint wee complex..
| And, before I forget, the all important video. Enjoy. |
If you are planning on visiting Iwafune-jinja, why not include it in your visit to the nearby park. With views like this, it makes for a great day.