石切剱箭神社

This is one of my lucky Shrine.
The first time I visited this shrine I was surprised to see people walking back and forth while touching the stone in front of the shrine and the other stone near the gate. It seems that is a way to grant a wish mostly for good health. Each one was bringing a bunch white stick which serves as their counter as they touch the stone. Once they finished, they leave or offer it to the Shrine. Seeing them, old and young alike, seriously doing the deed made me respect them. Faith or Hope usually makes us do things.
But my most favorite part is the Shotengai next to the Shrine, where get my supply of pickles, yummy:)
Ishikiri is also famous for Fortune Telling. You can find all kind of fortune tellers that offers service from marriage, love, health, careers and family. Of course these are all in Japanese so if you want to give it a try get your Japanese ready or your translator and some cash.

This shrine is famous for a deity to cure a swelling called «denbo» in Kansai dialect.
And it’s also famous for the spot of Ohyakudomairi. When you walk under the gate of the shrine, you will find two stones called Ohyakudo ishi, which are placed on face to face with the distance of about twenty meter or so (I’m sorry that I didn’t measure the distance).
Ohyakudomairi is one hundred times worship by walking clockwise around two stones and offering a prayer before the main hall each time.
You had better have one hundred strips of white paper lest you should forget the number you have folded.
The other day I came to the shrine to try it. This is because I was informed that a friend of mine during university period was hospitalized and had an emergency operation. I was very surprised to know it from her Christmas message card. I was on good company with her. I’m so very worried about her.
So I prayed for her to receive a good examination result. It was the first time that I tried Ohyakudomairi. It took me about one and a half hours to finish. In addition I was walking around the stones and then felt like getting motion sickness.
My ardent wishes come true. Her test result was good! I show my respect for the deity.
By the way, I saw a lot of furtune tellers and shops selling foods along the paths to the precinct. It has a local downtown Osaka’s atmosphere. There abounds in human gentle feelings.