Okazaki Shrine Visit Report 2025 No.2 Ishizukuri Shrine
Ishizukuri Shrine — Preserving the Spirit of Okazaki’s Stone Artisans
Located within the Okazaki Stone Products Industrial Park, Ishizukuri Shrine stands as a symbol of devotion created by the very hands of Okazaki’s stonemasons. It is a shrine built by stone artisans, for stone artisans — embodying the craftsmanship and prayers of generations. The shrine was founded in 1976 by the Okazaki Stone Industry Cooperative and was later restored in 2010.
The history of stone craftsmanship in Okazaki dates back to the 17th century during the construction of Okazaki Castle.
These stone walls once formed the outer moat of Okazaki Castle. Today, the area has been turned into a public park.
Skilled stonemasons who migrated from Kishiwada, Osaka, were engaged in building the castle’s stone walls. Their exceptional craftsmanship soon gained renown throughout Japan. From the Edo period onward, Okazaki granite was widely used to craft stone lanterns, guardian dogs, and chozubachi (water basins) supplied to shrines and temples across the nation. Through this heritage, Okazaki became known as the “City of Stone.”
After World War II, Japan entered its period of rapid economic growth, and stonework became increasingly mechanized. Efficiency improved dramatically, but noise and dust from cutting machines led to environmental concerns. As residential areas expanded, stonemasons sought a new place where their craft could continue without disturbing local residents.
With support from both the prefectural and municipal governments, the Okazaki Stone Products Industrial Park (commonly called the “Stone Park”) was established in 1973 in Inaguma Town. The scattered workshops across the city were gathered into one area, creating a community of dozens of stone studios. At its center, Ishizukuri Shrine was built as a symbol of the faith shared by those who live and breathe the art of stone.
The shrine enshrines not only the spirits of ancient castle builders but also the souls of modern artisans who continue to carve Okazaki granite with pride and reverence. Each chisel mark reflects centuries of unbroken tradition — the living heartbeat of Japan’s stonemasonry culture.
Chronological Table
| Year (AD) | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1600s | Okazaki Castle constructed | Stonemasons from Kishiwada, Osaka participated in building the stone walls. |
| Edo Period | Granite products distributed nationwide | Stone lanterns, guardian dogs, and basins supplied to shrines and temples across Japan. |
| 1973 | Okazaki Stone Products Industrial Park established | Founded with support from prefectural and municipal governments. |
| 1976 | Ishizukuri Shrine founded | Built by the Okazaki Stone Industry Cooperative using local granite. |
| 2010 | Shrine and grounds restored | Rebuilt according to the “Purpose Document,” continuing the spirit of the artisans. |
Deities Enshrined
| Type | Deity (Japanese) | Reading | Origin / Role | Blessings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main deity | 建真利根命 | Tatamarinomikoto | Ancestral god of the ancient Ishizukuribe clan, protectors of stone craftsmanship and artistry. | Protection of artisans, mastery of craft | Venerated as the guardian deity of stonework. |
| Associated deity | 天照坐皇大御神 | Amaterasu Ōmikami | The sun goddess and supreme deity of Shinto mythology. | Peace, light, harmony | Enshrined as a divine presence of light and order. |
| Associated deity | 宇迦之御魂神 | Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami | Deity of grain and abundance, central to Inari faith. | Prosperity, good harvest, business success | Linked to local Inari worship. |
| Associated deity | 白光天之大神 | Shiramikuhiko-no-Ōkami | A deity symbolizing the brilliance and creative energy of granite itself. | Inspiration, craftsmanship, renewal | Unique faith passed down among Okazaki stonemasons. |
Conclusion
Among the approximately 80,000 shrines throughout Japan, Ishizukuri Shrine stands as one of the few established entirely by stonemasons themselves. Here, the sound of chisels still echoes through Okazaki — a city where the spirit of stone craftsmanship continues to shine.
When the author visited the shrine on October 31, 2025, the granite structures shimmered under the rain, reflecting a tranquil glow worthy of the name Shiramikuhiko-no-Ōkami. Half of the stone lanterns and statues sold through Japanstones.shop are created by the artisans working in this very district, carrying Okazaki’s stone artistry from Japan to the world.
Okazaki Shrine Visit Report 2025 No.1 Stonemason District Shrine