What are the benefits of the power spot Katori Shrine in Chiba?

Katori Shrine, located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is a famous power spot in the Kanto region. As the head shrine of the approximately 400 Katori Shrines across Japan, Katori Jingu is one of the three great shrines of the Eastern region that has been granted the title of "Jingu." In addition to housing many national cultural properties, its main hall and the torii gate are designated important cultural assets, making them valuable structures. This time, we will introduce the benefits, history, and power spots of Katori Jingu.

1. What Kind of Benefits Can You Expect?

Katori Jingu, famous as a power spot, offers various benefits. The most notable is the blessing of victory. The shrine enshrines Admiral Heihachiro Togo, who is revered as a god of victory.
In addition to Admiral Togo, the shrine also enshrines the god of swords, which is associated with the sacred sword "Futsunomitama," believed to embody the power of the legendary sword.
Katori Jingu is also famous as a place for achieving goals, offering blessings for success in work and general good fortune. Other blessings include opening paths (such as enhancing charisma or bringing light into one's life), as well as for love, marriage, and warding off evil. Katori Jingu is highly recommended for those who are facing a challenge in life or want to forge a new path.

2. The History of Katori Jingu

Katori Jingu, located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is said to have been founded in the 18th year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign. The exact date is unclear, but it is believed to have been established before that time, as it is mentioned as "Katori no Mikoshi" in the Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki (Records of the Land of Hitachi).
The main deity enshrined at Katori Jingu is Futsunushi no Mikoto, a military god who also appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). It is said that Katori Jingu was once a base for the expansion into the Emishi region. Additionally, the deity is revered for his excellence in negotiations. Before the Meiji period, the imperial court annually sent emissaries, known as Katori-zukai and Kashima-zukai. Today, imperial emissaries visit once every six years.
Katori Jingu completed renovation work in 2013, and the annual Shikinen-Sai festival was held in 2014. This festival, which has been passed down for over 800 years, is celebrated every 12 years during the Year of the Horse. Not only a power spot, Katori Jingu is a historic shrine that has been revered by people from the time of the gods to the present day.

3. The Symbolic Bright Red Torii Gate

The bright red torii gate at Katori Jingu in Katori City is a valuable structure registered as an Important Cultural Property. Built in 1700 (the 13th year of the Genroku era), the torii gate, with its striking vermilion color, is a symbolic architectural feature of Katori Jingu, similar to the main hall. The gate is two stories high, supported by 12 columns in the lower section.
The inscription on the upper part of the gate was written by Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a god of victory. The guardian statues inside the gate are said to be modeled after Takeuchi Sukune and Fujiwara no Kamatari.

4. Explore the Mysterious "Three-Pine Trees"

At Katori Jingu in Katori City, there is a famous and mysterious power spot known as the "Three-Pine Trees." Located next to the main hall, the three trees consist of a central, straight-growing pine flanked by two slightly tilted pines. Interestingly, the roots of these three pines are interconnected, forming one massive tree. The central pine has a large hollow inside, and entering it evokes a mystical atmosphere.
It is said that the trees split into three due to a prayer from Minamoto no Yoriyoshi. The Three-Pine Trees are renowned as a power spot for the fulfillment of wishes.

5. A Must-Do Power Spot Tour

Many visitors to Katori Jingu come with the purpose of touring the power spots, and aside from the Three-Pine Trees mentioned earlier, there are several other famous power spots to explore.
One of these is the Okumiya, or inner shrine. Located further to the left of the main gate, the Okumiya is somewhat hidden and easy to miss, so visitors should be cautious. The Okumiya enshrines the Aramitama (violent spirit) of the main deity, Futsunushi no Okami. The shrine’s structure uses wood from the Ise Jingu’s Shikinen Sengu, the periodic rebuilding of the Ise shrine. As a place where the tumultuous spirit of the deity is enshrined, the Okumiya is considered a power spot that brings victory. It is recommended for those seeking success in competitions or exams, so be sure to visit.
Additionally, the main hall and worship hall are power spots that offer blessings of courage and progress. These are ideal for those looking to take bold steps in life or needing the courage to move forward. The sacred tree and stone in front of the main hall are also renowned power spots.

6. Visit the "Tsumiya-hama Torii"

The Tsumiya-hama Torii, also known as Torii-gashi, is a large torii gate located at the site where the deity Futsunushi no Okami, the main god of Katori Jingu, is said to have landed. It is located a bit farther from the main shrine, so visitors should be careful not to pass it by. The torii at the Omotesando entrance is also the starting point for the sacred boat procession during the Shikinen-Sai festival, held once every 12 years. The gate was rebuilt in March 2002 using materials from Katori Jingu.
To fully appreciate the history of Katori Jingu, the Tsumiya-hama Torii holds significant meaning. It is located about 2 kilometers from the shrine grounds, so it is recommended to visit by car. If you have extra time, be sure to combine a visit to the Tsumiya-hama Torii with your tour of Katori Jingu.

7. Don't Forget the "Yaku-Otoshi Dango" as a Souvenir from Katori Jingu

A recommended souvenir from Katori Jingu is the Yaku-Otoshi Dango (evil-warding dumplings). Many religious festivals are held at Katori Jingu, and during the "Dango Matsuri," dumplings made from the year's harvest of the finest rice, "Hakkoku Hatto," are offered.
The festival, which offers dumplings instead of sacred sake, is dedicated to the goddess Himekami. The dumplings are also known as "Chikara Dango" (power dumplings), and this is the origin of the Yaku-Otoshi Dango. These dumplings are made with care by various shops, and the flavors range from kusa-dango (herb dumplings) to mitarashi dango (sweet soy sauce dumplings). After visiting Katori Jingu, be sure to pick up some of these special Yaku-Otoshi Dango as a souvenir.