Mt.Rokko
Route No.2
❷Ishikiri Road
A road where granite stones were quarried and conveyed once upon a time.
Feel Rokko’s abundant nature while hiking and enjoy strolling around the area after your hike.
History
Origin and History of the name of Ishikiri Road
Ishikiri Road is diverged from Sumiyoshi Road and it connects to the Rokko Garden Terrace located on the Rokko mountaintop. Granite stones from Mt. Rokko are called Mikageishi and were once used all around the Kinki region. Ishikiri means “stone cutting” or “quarry” in Japanese. Ishikiri Road is the road where granite stones were quarried and conveyed. Mikageishi stones were also used to build the stone walls of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Osaka Castle. (*Toyotomi Hideyoshi is a legendary Japanese warlord in the 16th century.) The signboard with “Ishikiri Road” in Japanese can be seen at the junction of the road.
Spot
Highlights・Famous spots
From the junction at the starting point of Ishikiri Road, walk toward Mt. Uchikoshi and Yokoike, the upstream of the Sumiyoshi river will appear. Loosen yourself up with the sound of singing birds and flowing water!
At the ruin of the quarry in the middle of the route, stores with old rusted wedges and wedge holes can be found. This spot looks very different from other spots on Mt. Rokko. Sit on the bench and learn about the history of Rokko’s quarry!
Miyoshi Kannon (goddess of mercy)
The statue of Miyoshi Kannon is enshrined on the top of Mt. Rokko. The Kannon is raising her right hand to the sky for air traffic safety. Take delight in an amazing view from this location!
Shinkyo Iwa rock
From Rokko’s historic Ishikiri Road, let’s walk a little further to Rokko’s spiritual site “the Shinkyo Iwa rock area”. Rokko Himetaizen shrine is a shrine where Iwakura (sacred rock) is worshiped as the body of the deity. The presence of the Shinkyo Iwa rock with Maka Hannya Haramita Shingyo Heart Sutra engraved on the surface is extremely powerful and impressive. Stop by and feel the spiritual energy not only from the Shinkyo Iwa rock but also from the Kumoga Iwa, Gyoga Iwa, and the worship hall which are located up north of the Shinkyo Iwa.
Please check out detailed information by using mountain maps or web applications
beforehand and enjoy your fun and safe hiking!
The starting point of Ishikiri Road is about an hour away from the nearest station. The public bus is a convenient way to get to the place near the starting point.
Kobe municipal bus route 38 “JR Sumiyoshi Ekimae” to “Uzugamori Bashi”
Sumiyoshidai Kurukuru bus “JR Sumiyoshi Ekimae” to “Excel Higahi”
Kobe municipal bus route 38 “Hanshin Line Mikage Station” to “Uzugamori Bashi”
On the way back, take the Rokko Sanjo bus at the Rokko Garden Terrace which is a 5-minute walking distance from the goal.
