Izu Shrine – The Heart-Shaped Sacred Stone of Good Fortune

【Highlights】
・An ancient shrine reflecting the history of Katata, a town that prospered through Lake Biwa’s water transport.
・Katata’s main guardian shrine, known in the medieval period as “Katata Omiya.”
・A heart-shaped sacred stone quietly enshrined within the shrine grounds.

【History and Culture】
Izu Shrine was revered as the main guardian shrine of Katata, a lakeside town that flourished through Lake Biwa’s water transport during the medieval period. Its enshrined deity is Oyamazumi-no-Mikoto.

During the Muromachi period, the shrine was known as “Katata Omiya.” It is also believed that a local religious and community organization called a miyaza once existed around the shrine, reflecting its important role in the spiritual and social life of Katata.

Within the shrine grounds is a sacred stone known as the “Stone of Good Fortune.” This heart-shaped stone is believed to have been moved to its present location from deep within the shrine forest.

According to local tradition, rubbing the stone is said to bring happiness or help fulfill wishes connected to loved ones and people one hopes to meet. Izu Shrine is a quiet place where visitors can trace the history of Katata and the culture of prayer and wishes passed down through the region.