Shijimi-no-iwamuro

Overview

Shijimi-no-iwamuro is a site associated with ancient legend, located in Iwaya, Shijimi-chō, in the city of Miki, Hyogo Prefecture. It is regarded as the setting of a tale recorded in the Harima no Kuni Fudoki, and is known for spring water within the stone chamber that shines with a golden hue. It is cherished as a distinctive historic site where ancient legend and a natural phenomenon come together.

Highlights

• ●The setting of a legend recorded in the Harima no Kuni Fudoki
• ●Golden-shining spring water, called the Iwaya no Kinsui (窟屋の金水), caused by luminous algae
• ●A stone chamber said to have hidden the brothers who later became Emperors Kenzō and Ninken
• ●A distinctive historic site linking ancient legend with a natural phenomenon

History

According to the Shijimi-no-sato passage in the Minō district section of the Harima no Kuni Fudoki, around the 5th century, amid a struggle over imperial succession, two princes, sons of Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha, hid in the stone chamber of Shijimi. They later became the 23rd sovereign, Emperor Kenzō (Oke), and the 24th sovereign, Emperor Ninken (Oke). The Nihon Shoki records the place as the Shukumiyama stone chamber. The golden-shining spring water is called the Iwaya no Kinsui (窟屋の金水); long unobserved, it began to be seen again around 2002.

Map

34.7891, 135.0482 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the stone chamber as a site of ancient legend
2. 2Observe the Iwaya no Kinsui (窟屋の金水) spring water produced by luminous algae
3. 3Reflect on the tale from the Harima no Kuni Fudoki with the help of on-site explanations
4. 4Stroll through the surrounding historic sites and natural setting

Did you know?

💡 The golden shine of the spring water had long ceased to be observed, but began to appear again around 2002.

Nearby spots