Horikoshijinja Shrine

Legend says Prince Shotoku built this shrine on Chausuyama hill during Emperor Suiko's reign, around the same time as Shitennoji Temple's founding, in memory of his uncle Emperor Sushun — one of Shitennoji's Seven Shrines. From ancient times until the mid-Meiji era, a beautiful moat ran along the south side of the grounds, and visitors crossed it to worship, giving rise to the name 'Horikoshi' (crossing the moat). The grounds also enshrine Kubotsu-oji, the first Kumano prince-shrine once located at Watanabe-no-tsu in Hachikenya. Though it faces the busy Tanimachi-suji street, centuries-old trees keep the grounds quiet and serene. In Osaka, a long-cherished saying holds that 'Horikoshi-san grants one wish in your lifetime.'