Make Individual Wishes at "Ichigon-san," Where Single Wishes Come True
About this spot
An ancient shrine located at the eastern foot of Katsuragi Mountain, enshrining the Ichigon-shu deity said to grant any single spoken wish. Locals affectionately call it "Ichigon-san." The Kojiki records an anecdote where Emperor Yuryaku encounters this deity on Katsuragi Mountain, making this area feel like a mythological stage. Climbing the stone steps of the approach path, an ancient ginkgo tree, the "Nursing Ginkgo" (乳銀杏), with a reported age of 1,200 years, spreads its branches; in autumn, it turns the entire shrine golden. The custom here is to narrow your wish to just one, and hiking companions often chat about their wishes on the walk back. Surrounding countryside reflects the peaceful pastoral landscape of the old Katsuragi Road, providing a fitting quiet conclusion to your mountain walk.
Tips
Public transportation is limited, making car travel convenient with free parking near the shrine. From Kintetsu Gojo Station, walking takes about 50 minutes; consider using buses or taxis instead. While stone steps line the approach, the distance is short and manageable even with tired hiking legs. The surrounding area features the Katsuragi Old Road walking trail; if time permits, a brief countryside stroll is pleasant.
Best time to visit
Approximately 50 minutes. Late afternoon's soft light creates a quiet, serene atmosphere for worship.
Access & map
〒639-2318 Nara Prefecture, Gojo City, Moriwaki 432
Model course featuring this spot
Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway and Highland Hiking in Gojo
Nara
Explore features & model courses
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