Kashima Hachiman Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Deities, and Access Information
Ibaraki Prefecture has numerous shrines bearing the name “Kashima,” many of which are historically significant shrines that enshrined a divided spirit from Kashima Jingu, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Hitachi Province. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Kashima Hachiman Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, covering its historical background, enshrined deities, architectural style, the significance of visiting, and specific access methods.
Table of Contents
- What is Kashima Hachiman Shrine?
- Major Kashima Hachiman Shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture
- Deities Enshrined and Characteristics of the Faith
- History and Origin of the Shrine
- Main Hall and Architectural Style Designated as a Cultural Property
- Annual Events and Festivals
- How to Worship and Benefits
- Access Information
- Nearby Tourist Spots
What is Kashima Hachiman Shrine?
Kashima Hachiman Shrine is a shrine that fuses the Kashima faith, which enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami as its main deity, and the Hachiman faith, which enshrines Emperor Ojin as its main deity. In Ibaraki Prefecture, from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, there are many examples of shrines inviting a divided spirit of Kashima Jingu Shrine as a guardian deity of the region and merging it with existing Hachiman shrines.
The Spread of Kashima Faith
Kashima shrines, with Kashima Jingu as their head shrine, number approximately 600 throughout Japan, particularly concentrated in the Tohoku and Kanto regions. Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is a warrior god who played a key role in the transfer of the land in Japanese mythology, and has long been revered as a god of martial arts and victory by samurai and commoners alike.
Connection with Hachiman Faith
Hachiman, whose principal deity is Emperor Ojin, is widely worshipped throughout Japan as a god of military fortune. In Ibaraki Prefecture, during the Sengoku period, castle lords and feudal lords enshrined both Kashima-no-Kami and Hachiman-no-Kami as guardian deities of their castles, praying for stronger military fortune and peace in their regions.
Major Kashima Hachiman Shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture
Several Kashima Hachiman shrines exist within Ibaraki Prefecture, each deeply intertwined with local history.
Connection with Hachiman Faith ### Kashima Shrine (Edosaki), Inashiki City
Location: Edosaki, Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Founded: 1570
History: Founded by Toki Haruhide, lord of Edosaki Castle, who invited a divided spirit of Kashima Shrine to serve as the guardian deity of the castle. It became a village shrine in 1874, and subsequently, several other shrines, including Rokuten Shrine, Yamano Shrine, Suwa Shrine, Hachiman Shrine, and Ryuzo Shrine, were merged into it. In 1911, Tenman Shrine, Hakusan Shrine, and Atago Shrine were also merged, strengthening its role as the general guardian shrine of the region.
Kashima Shrine in Hitachiota City (Ogata-cho)
Location: 1248 Ogata-cho, Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Founding: Date of founding unknown
History: Originally, it enshrined three deities: Hachiman, Kashima, and Haguro Gongen. However, in April 1699 (Genroku 12), by order of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the lord of the Mito domain, a divided spirit of Kashima Jingu Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Hitachi Province, was newly welcomed, and the shrine’s rank was reorganized. Tokugawa Mitsukuni, known as Mito Komon, is known for actively promoting the consolidation and reorganization of shrines within his domain.
Kashima Shrine in Naka City (Sugaya)
Location: 2345 Sugaya, Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Features: This Kashima Shrine is known for the “Sugaya Lantern Festival.” Local traditional events are still being held today, and it is bustling with many visitors every year.
Characteristics of the Deities and Beliefs
While there are slight differences in the deities enshrined at Kashima Hachiman Shrines, the following gods are primarily worshipped:
Main Deities
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami
A god of war in Japanese mythology, also possessing characteristics of a thunder god. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he is depicted as the god who, at the command of Amaterasu-Omikami, pacified Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni (the earthly world) and successfully negotiated the transfer of the land from Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. He is worshipped as the guardian deity of all martial arts, including swordsmanship, judo, and sumo, and as a god of good fortune, protection from evil, and prosperity.
Emperor Ojin (Homudawake-no-Mikoto)
The 15th Emperor, he is enshrined as Hachiman-sama in Hachiman shrines throughout Japan. He is revered as a god of military fortune and national protection, and was particularly devoutly worshipped in samurai society.
Enshrined Deities
Some shrines also enshrine the following deities:
- Futsunushi-no-Kami: The deity enshrined at Katori Shrine, a warrior god who played an active role in the transfer of the land alongside Takemikazuchi-no-Okami
- Amaterasu-Omikami: The ancestral deity of the Imperial family, the principal deity of Japan
- Sugawara-no-Michizane: God of learning (when Tenman Shrine is also enshrined)
- Suwa-no-Okami: God of hunting and agriculture (when Suwa Shrine is also enshrined)
History and Origins
Many Kashima Hachiman Shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture were founded during the Sengoku period to the early Edo period. This period was marked by continuous warfare, and local warlords and feudal lords built shrines to pray for continued military success and peace in their territories.
Founded during the Sengoku Period
Kashima Shrine in Inashiki City, founded in 1570 (Genki 1), was built right in the middle of the Sengoku period (Warring States period). Toki Haruhide, lord of Edosaki Castle, enshrined the war god of Kashima Shrine as the guardian deity of his castle, praying for victory in battle and the prosperity of his castle town. For warlords of that time, faith in gods and Buddhas was a spiritual pillar and held significant strategic importance.
Development during the Edo Period
During the Edo period, feudal lords, including Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the lord of the Mito domain, promoted the consolidation and reorganization of shrines within their territories. The reorganization of Kashima Shrine in Hitachiota City in 1699 (Genroku 12) is a prime example. Mitsukuni sought to establish a religious order within his domain by correcting the history of the shrine and standardizing its rank based on Confucian thought.
Consolidation during the Meiji Period
During the Meiji period, many small shrines were consolidated due to the Meiji government’s policy of shrine consolidation. The fact that Kashima Shrine in Inashiki City became a village shrine in 1874 (Meiji 7) and subsequently merged with several other shrines is a result of this policy. This merger consolidated various local beliefs into a single shrine, strengthening its character as a general guardian shrine.
Designated Cultural Properties: Main Halls and Architectural Styles
Several Kashima Shrine main halls in Ibaraki Prefecture are designated as Ibaraki Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Properties (buildings), and they retain many characteristics of Edo period shrine architecture.
Characteristics of Architectural Styles
Irimoya-zukuri (Hip-and-Gable Roof)
Many Kashima Shrine main halls employ the irimoya-zukuri style. This style combines a gable roof with a hipped roof, giving it a dignified and imposing appearance.
Copper Plate Roofing/Thatched Roofing
While it is believed that thatched roofs were common at the time of their founding, many examples now feature copper plate roofing. Copper plates are highly durable and develop a unique character as they change to a beautiful verdigris color.
Sculpture Decoration
Manufacturing halls from the mid-Edo period onward often feature intricate carvings. Auspicious motifs such as dragons, lions, phoenixes, and pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms are carved, enhancing the solemnity of the shrine.
Cultural Value
The Kashima Shrine main hall, designated by the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education, is protected as a typical example of local shrine architecture from the Edo period and as a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the architectural techniques and religious practices of the time. Regular repairs are carried out, and efforts continue to preserve it for future generations.
Annual Events and Festivals
Kashima Hachiman Shrine holds various festivals and religious ceremonies throughout the year.
Grand Festival
Many shrines hold their grand festivals in the autumn (September to October). These include a procession of portable shrines, performances, and stalls, making it an important event where local people gather. ### Sugaya Lantern Festival
At Kashima Shrine in Naka City, the traditional event known as the “Sugaya Lantern Festival” is held. Numerous lanterns adorn the shrine, creating a magical atmosphere during the Shinto rituals.
New Year’s Visit and Shichi-Go-San Festival
Visits to the shrine for life’s milestones, such as the New Year’s visit and the Shichi-Go-San festival in November, are also popular.
Sugaya Lantern Festival
Kashima Shrine in Naka City holds the traditional New Year’s visit and Shichi-Go-San festival in November. ## How to Worship and the Benefits
Etiquette for Worship
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: This is a courtesy before entering the sacred area.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall: This is the basic Shinto way of worship.
- Be specific about your wishes: Pray with all your heart.
Main Benefits
Long-lasting military fortune and success in competitions
As both Takemikazuchi-no-Okami and Emperor Ojin are enshrined here, you can pray for victory in all kinds of competitions, such as sports matches, exams, and job hunting.
Protection from misfortune and good fortune
It is believed that the powerful spiritual energy of the war gods wards off disasters and brings good fortune.
Family safety and community peace
As the guardian shrine of the region, it protects the safety of families and the prosperity of the community.
Martial Arts Improvement
We support the skill development of those studying martial arts such as Kendo, Judo, and Karate.
Access Information
Access to Kashima Shrine (Edosaki), Inashiki City
Train/Bus
Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Joban Line “Sanuki Station,” then approximately 10 minutes on foot from “Edosaki” bus stop.
Car
Approximately 15 minutes from Ken-O Expressway “Inashiki IC.”
Parking: Available (Please check the number of spaces).
Access to Kashima Shrine (Okata-cho), Hitachiota City
Train/Bus
Approximately 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Suigun Line “Hitachiota Station.”
Car
Approximately 30 minutes from Joban Expressway “Naka IC.”
Parking: Available.
Access to Kashima Shrine (Sugaya), Naka City
Train
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Suigun Line “Kamisugaya Station.”
Car
Approximately 10 minutes from Joban Expressway “Naka IC.”
Parking: Available.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kashima Jingu Shrine (Kashima City)
Kashima Jingu Shrine, the main shrine of Kashima Hachiman Shrine, is the oldest shrine in eastern Japan, said to have been founded in the first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign (660 BC). Its vast grounds contain a national treasure straight sword, and important cultural properties such as the main hall, inner shrine, and gate tower. The cedar-lined path leading to the inner shrine creates a mystical atmosphere.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Kashima Line “Kashima Jingu Station”
Katori Jingu Shrine (Katori City, Chiba Prefecture)
An ancient shrine counted as one of the “Three Shrines of Eastern Japan” along with Kashima Jingu Shrine. It enshrines Futsunushi-no-Okami and is worshipped as a counterpart to Kashima Jingu Shrine.
Ikisu Shrine (Kamisu City)
A shrine that constitutes the “Three Shrines of Eastern Japan” along with Kashima Jingu Shrine and Katori Jingu Shrine. The “Eastern Japan Three Shrine Pilgrimage,” which involves visiting three shrines, is a form of faith that has continued since the Edo period.
Lake Kasumigaura
This lake boasts the second largest surface area in Japan, and offers opportunities for cycling and sightseeing by pleasure boat. Roadside stations and parks are maintained along the lakeshore.
Kasama Inari Shrine (Kasama City)
This shrine is counted as one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines and is known for its blessings of business prosperity and family safety. It is also famous as a production area for Kasama ware pottery.
The Significance of Visiting Kashima Hachiman Shrine
Visiting Kashima Hachiman Shrine is not merely sightseeing, but a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese history and religious culture. The shrine, which enshrines two war gods, Takemikazuchi-no-Okami and Emperor Ojin, has been a source of spiritual support for people from ancient times to the present day.
It is a place where warlords of the Sengoku period prayed for victory, feudal lords of the Edo period prayed for the peace and well-being of their people, and people since the Meiji era have prayed for the development of their region. There, you will find a form of prayer that has been passed down through the ages.
Even in modern times, people facing various “battles” in life, such as entrance exams, job hunting, and sports matches, visit the shrine seeking good fortune and success. When we join our hands in prayer in the tranquil grounds, we can place ourselves within the continuity of history.
Summary
Kashima Hachiman Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is a locally rooted shrine that fuses the Kashima faith, with Kashima Jingu as its head shrine, and the Hachiman faith. Founded between the Sengoku and Edo periods, it has attracted the faith of people as the guardian shrine of the region.
The main deities enshrined are Takemikazuchi-no-Okami and Emperor Ojin, and it is believed to bring blessings such as long-lasting military fortune, success in competitions, protection from evil, and good fortune. Some shrines have main halls designated as prefectural cultural properties, preserving Edo period architectural styles.
Visiting these shrines along with surrounding tourist spots, including Kashima Jingu, will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Ibaraki Prefecture’s history and culture. I highly recommend visiting Kashima Hachiman Shrine at least once to experience its solemn atmosphere and the weight of its history.
