Kashima Shrine Complete Guide | The Charm and Visiting Information of Kanto’s Most Powerful Spot, Dedicating One of Japan’s Oldest War Gods
Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashima Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, said to have been founded in 660 BC. Along with Ise Grand Shrine and Katori Shrine, it is one of the three shrines that were granted the title of “Jingu” (Grand Shrine) until modern times. As the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima shrines nationwide, it enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the god of martial arts.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Kashima Shrine, including its history, the origin of its enshrined deity, highlights of the grounds, blessings, access methods, and festivals and events.
History and Origins of Kashima Shrine
Legend of Founding in the First Year of Emperor Jimmu’s Reign
According to ancient documents, Kashima Shrine was founded in the first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign (660 BC). This is considered the year of Japan’s founding and is the basis for its position as one of Japan’s oldest shrines. As the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture), it has boasted the highest status in eastern Japan since ancient times.
Its establishment is recorded in the “Hitachi Province Fudoki” (ancient provincial gazetteer), and it is a historically significant shrine that has received reverence from the imperial court since ancient times. In particular, because Takemikazuchi-no-Okami played a central role in the transfer of the land in Japanese mythology, it has attracted special devotion from the imperial family and the samurai class.
Status of Holding the Title of “Jingu” (Grand Shrine)
Historically, only Ise Grand Shrine, Katori Grand Shrine, and Kashima Grand Shrine were permitted to be called “Jingu.” This fact speaks volumes about the exceptional status of Kashima Shrine. While other shrines were granted the title of “Jingu” (Grand Shrine) after the Meiji Restoration, the history of these three shrines as “Jingu” since ancient times is a special authority unique to them.
The Culture of Kashima Departures
Since ancient times, a custom called “Kashima Departure” has developed, where people prayed for safe travels and success at Kashima Shrine before embarking on journeys or at turning points in their lives. This term is still used today to mean “departure” or “start,” demonstrating that Kashima Shrine has been revered as a shrine that watches over people’s new beginnings.
Samurai warriors before going to battle, and commoners in the Edo period, also had the custom of visiting Kashima Shrine to pray for safe travels.
About the Deity Enshrined: Takemikazuchi-no-Okami
Role in Japanese Mythology
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the enshrined deity of Kashima Shrine, is a god of war who plays an important role in Japanese mythology. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he is known as the god who, at the command of Amaterasu-Omikami, successfully negotiated the “transfer of the land” from Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami also possesses characteristics of a thunder god and sword god, and is said to have achieved peaceful unification of the land through his overwhelming military power and negotiating skills. From this myth, Takemikazuchi-no-Okami came to be worshipped as the god who governs luck in competition, decisiveness, and negotiation skills.
Worship as a God of Martial Arts
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami has long been revered by the samurai class as the god of Japan’s founding and martial arts. People seeking improvement in all martial arts, including kendo, judo, and karate, visit this shrine. It is also revered by athletes, business professionals, and others facing competitive situations.
The sacred treasure of Kashima Shrine, the “Futsu-no-Mitama-no-Tsurugi,” is a sacred sword said to have been used by Takemikazuchi-no-Okami during the transfer of the land, and is designated a National Treasure. This straight sword, approximately 2.7 meters long, continues to fascinate many visitors with its spiritual power.
A God Guiding Life’s Turning Points
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is not merely a god of military power, but is also worshipped as a god who guides people through important turning points and decisions in life. Many people visit to pray for guidance in choosing the right path at life’s milestones, such as finding a job, changing jobs, starting a business, or getting married.
Guide to Kashima Shrine Grounds and Highlights
Tower Gate (Important Cultural Property)
The tower gate of Kashima Shrine was donated in 1634 by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, and is considered one of Japan’s three greatest tower gates. Its imposing, vermilion-lacquered form, approximately 13 meters tall, overwhelms visitors.
The tower gate is designated a National Important Cultural Property, and its architectural beauty and historical value are a must-see. Passing through the tower gate evokes a sense of solemnity, as it marks the entrance to a sacred area.
Main Hall and Worship Hall (Important Cultural Property)
The current main hall, offering hall, worship hall, and stone chamber were donated in 1619 by Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun, and are all designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The shrine buildings, adorned with the vibrant colors of the Momoyama period, possess both splendor and solemnity. The main shrine is an elegant building with a cypress bark roof, and the meticulously crafted carvings and colors represent the pinnacle of the time’s technology. You can also receive prayers at the worship hall and directly experience the divine blessings of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami.
Inner Shrine
A 10-minute walk from the main shrine along the forest path leads to the Inner Shrine. The Inner Shrine is a shrine dedicated by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a token of gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara. Before the current main shrine was built, this Inner Shrine served as the main shrine.
The area around the Inner Shrine is enveloped in silence, a place where you can feel the profound depth of the sacred space. It is also known as a power spot and attracts many visitors.
Keystone (Kanameishi)
Further beyond the Inner Shrine lies the Keystone, considered the greatest power spot at Kashima Shrine. Although only a small portion of it is visible above ground, it extends deep into the earth and is said to be holding down the head of a giant catfish believed to cause earthquakes.
Katori Shrine also has a keystone, and there is a legend that the keystone of Kashima Shrine holds down the head of a giant catfish, while the keystone of Katori Shrine holds down its tail. This keystone has been worshipped as a sacred stone that seals away disaster in earthquake-prone Japan.
Mitarai Pond
Located at the back of the shrine grounds, Mitarai Pond is a pure pond with exceptionally high transparency, and over 400,000 liters of water gush forth daily. It has been used as a place of purification since ancient times, and even today, a large winter purification ritual is held there at the beginning of the year, with over 200 participants.
There is a mysterious legend that the water level in the pond is chest-high whether an adult or a child enters, making it a mystical place. There is also a teahouse by the pond, making it a popular resting spot for worshippers.
Deer Park
The deer, which is the origin of the name of Kashima Shrine, are considered messengers of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami. Within the shrine grounds is a deer park, home to approximately 30 deer. Legend says that when the divine spirit of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami was enshrined at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, the deity traveled from Kashima Shrine riding a deer. Since then, deer have been revered as messengers of the gods.
The deer park offers a close-up view of the adorable deer and is particularly popular with families with children.
Benefits and Prayers at Kashima Shrine
Main Benefits
The main benefits believed to be obtainable at Kashima Shrine are as follows:
- Prayer for Success in Competitions and Guaranteed Victory: As the god of martial arts, prayers are offered for success in all competitive endeavors.
- Improvement in Martial Arts: Improvement of skills in martial arts such as kendo and judo.
- Decision-Making and Action-Oriented: Support for important life decisions.
- Protection from Evil and Misfortune: Warding off evil spirits and protecting oneself from disaster.
- Safe Travel and Traffic Safety: Following the tradition of Kashima-dachi, prayers are offered for safe travels.
- Business Success and Career Luck: Success in business, and achievement in job hunting and career changes.
- Matchmaking: Power to attract good relationships.
About Prayers
Kashima Shrine accepts prayers daily. No reservation is required; you can apply directly at the shrine office during reception hours. The offering fee varies depending on the prayer content, but generally starts from 5,000 yen.
Main types of prayers:
- Family safety
- Business prosperity
- Protection from evil
- Traffic safety
- Prayer for passing exams
- Prayer for victory
- Prayer for safe childbirth
- Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) ceremony
Upon receiving a prayer, you can receive amulets and other items.
Popular Amulets and Items
Kashima Shrine offers various amulets related to the divine virtues of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami.
- Victory Amulet: The most popular amulet for improving luck in competitions
- Martial Arts Amulet: For those wishing to improve in martial arts
- Kashima-Tachi Amulet: For those traveling or starting something new
- Traffic Safety Amulet: For those praying for safety in cars and bicycles
- Matchmaking Amulet: For those seeking a good match
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are also popular, characterized by their powerful calligraphy. Kashima Shrine also sells original goshuin notebooks.
Main Festivals and Events of Kashima Shrine
Saitosai Festival
Held annually on March 9th, the Saitosai Festival is one of Kashima Shrine’s three major festivals and a traditional event with a history of approximately 1,300 years. Young people in brightly colored costumes perform a magnificent dance to the sound of drums and flutes.
This festival prays for a bountiful harvest and peace throughout the land, and is cherished by locals as a festival that heralds the arrival of spring.
Shinkosai Festival (Mifunesai Festival)
Held once every 12 years, in the Year of the Horse, the Shikinen Taisai Mifunesai Festival is Kashima Shrine’s largest festival. This magnificent festival involves the procession of the portable shrine of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami via land and water to Katori Shrine, attracting many worshippers and tourists.
The Mifune Festival is a breathtaking spectacle, with the sacred boat carrying the divine spirit crossing Lake Kitaura. It’s a precious event that preserves ancient forms of faith. Many fans eagerly await the next festival.
Annual Festival (September 1st)
The annual festival, held every September 1st, is the most important annual event at Kashima Shrine. Kagura and Bugaku (traditional dance and music) are performed, and Shinto rituals are conducted in a solemn atmosphere.
Other Major Events
- Saitansai (January 1st): A festival celebrating the New Year
- Kigensai (February 11th): A festival held on National Foundation Day
- Daikan Misogi (January): A purification ritual held at Mitarai Pond in the bitter cold
- Yabusame Shinto Ritual (Irregular): A dedication of traditional martial arts, including archery from horseback
Access and Visiting Information
Location and Contact Information
Location: 2306-1 Miyachu, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture 314-0031
Phone: 0299-82-1209
Official Website: https://kashimajingu.jp/
Access by Train
From Tokyo:
- Take the JR Sobu Line or Narita Line to Narita Station, then transfer to the Kashima Line and get off at Kashima-Jingu Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk from there.
- From JR Tokyo Station, take the “Kashima-go” express bus for about 2 hours and get off at Kashima-Jingu Station.
- From JR Kashima Line’s Kashima-Jingu Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
From Mito:
- Take the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line and get off at Kashima-Jingu Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingu Station to the shrine, walking along the approach road. There are souvenir shops and restaurants along the road from the station to the shrine.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
- Approximately 50 minutes via National Route 51 from the Mito IC on the Joban Expressway
Parking: Parking is available at the first parking lot (free, approximately 60 cars) and the second parking lot (free, approximately 55 cars). Temporary parking lots are also opened during the New Year’s period and festivals, but congestion is expected, so using public transportation is recommended.
Visiting Hours and Fees
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office and gift shop are generally open from 8:30 to 16:30)
Admission Fee: Free (Treasure Hall requires an additional 300 yen)
Prayer Reception: 8:30 to 16:30 (No reservation required)
The shrine is open year-round, but visiting during the quieter early morning or evening hours is recommended.
Tourist Attractions Around Kashima Shrine
Pilgrimage to the Three Shrines of Eastern Japan
Kashima Shrine, along with Ikisu Shrine and Katori Shrine, is known as one of the “Three Shrines of Eastern Japan,” and the “Pilgrimage to the Three Shrines of Eastern Japan” has been a popular pilgrimage route since ancient times. It is believed that visiting all three shrines at once brings blessings comparable to visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
- Katori Shrine (Katori City, Chiba Prefecture): A shrine dedicated to Futsunushi-no-Okami, a counterpart to Kashima Shrine.
- Ikisu Shrine (Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture): A shrine dedicated to Kunado-no-Kami, one of the Three Shrines of Eastern Japan.
The three shrines are located within a 30-minute drive of each other, making it possible to visit them all in one day.
Kashima Antlers Related Facilities
The home stadium of the J.League soccer powerhouse “Kashima Antlers,” “Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium,” is also nearby. The team name is derived from the deer of Kashima Shrine, and the team also prays for victory at Kashima Shrine.
Kashima-nada Coast
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Kashima-nada Coast is a scenic spot with beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a popular spot for swimming in the summer and surfing throughout the year.
Points and Manners for Visiting Kashima Shrine
Etiquette for Visiting
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: Bow before entering the sacred area, in front of the torii gate.
- Walk along the edge of the path: The center of the path is considered the path of the gods, so walk along the edge.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Worship at the main hall: Worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow method.
Estimated Time Required
- Visiting only the main hall: Approximately 30 minutes
- Visiting the inner shrine and the foundation stone: Approximately 1 hour
- Including the Mitarai Pond: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Including a visit to the treasure hall: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
The shrine grounds are vast, and there are paths that wind through the forest, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Regarding Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please refrain from photographing the interior of the main hall during prayers or of the Shinto priests. The Kanameishi (foundation stone) and the Mitarai Pond are popular photo spots.
Summary: A Special Experience at Kashima Jingu Shrine
Kashima Jingu Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, said to have been founded in 660 BC. It enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, a powerful war god, and is one of Japan’s leading power spots. As the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima shrines nationwide, and as a prestigious shrine bearing the title of “Jingu” (Grand Shrine), it continues to attract many visitors.
The vast grounds offer numerous sights to see, including shrine buildings designated as important national cultural properties, the mystical Kanameishi, and the serene Mitarai Pond. The divine blessings of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, which grant good fortune in competitions, decisiveness, and guidance at turning points in life, empower not only martial artists but also business people, athletes, and everyone facing a significant milestone in their lives.
Its convenient location, approximately two hours from Tokyo, is also a major draw, making it easily accessible even for a day trip. Combining it with a pilgrimage to the three major shrines of eastern Japan will create an even more fulfilling experience.
When starting something new, facing a major decision, or preparing for a competition, why not visit Kashima Shrine and receive the powerful divine blessings of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami? You will surely feel the atmosphere of this ancient sacred site and the powerful presence of the gods.
