Kashima Jingu is the ultimate power spot located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, revered as the god of martial arts. This time, we will provide a detailed introduction to Kashima Jingu, one of the most renowned power spots in Ibaraki Prefecture. If you're interested, be sure to check it out.
※The information provided is current as of February 2020.
Kashima Jingu: A shrine dedicated to the God of Martial Arts
Kashima Jingu is a highly prestigious shrine founded in the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign. It is known as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in Ibaraki Prefecture, attracting many visitors.
Kashima Jingu enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, who is revered as the god of martial arts. Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is said to have played a role in the founding of Japan, making this shrine deeply connected to the origins of the nation.
The annual grand festival is held on September 1st. Every six years, a special imperial festival known as the Chokusai is conducted, during which an imperial envoy is dispatched by the Emperor. Additionally, every twelve years, in the Year of the Horse, the grand Ofune Festival, a spectacular waterborne ceremony, takes place.
Access to Kashima Jingu
■ By Train
From Tokyo Station, take the Sobu Rapid Line to Chiba Station and transfer to the Narita Line. Alternatively, take the Airport Narita Rapid from Tokyo Station and transfer to the Narita Line at Narita Station. From there, transfer to the Kashima Line at Sawara Station and get off at Kashima Jingu Station. The shrine is a 10-minute walk from the station.
■ By Car
From Hakozaki, take either the Bayshore Route or the Keiyo Road. From Miyanoji JCT, continue on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway and exit at Itako IC to switch to local roads. The total travel time from Hakozaki is approximately one and a half hours.
Torii Made from Cedar Trees on the shrine grounds & the tower gate built by Tokugawa Hidetada
■ Torii
Kashima Jingu’s grand torii gate collapsed during the Great East Japan Earthquake. Following this, a decision was made to rebuild it, using cedar trees from the shrine grounds. The current grand torii was completed three years after the disaster.
■ Tower Gate
The tower gate of Kashima Jingu is a designated Important Cultural Property. It is said to have been built by Tokugawa Hidetada. This gate serves as a valuable record of historical architectural techniques from the past.
The main hall & worship hall enshrining Takemikazuchi-no-Okami
■ Main Hall
The main hall is a three-bay shrine structure located at the innermost part of the shrine path, where Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is enshrined. Inside the main hall, there is a special chamber known as the "Akarazu no Goten" (Forbidden Palace), which is opened only once a year on January 7th. Be sure to visit this sacred site.
■ Worship Hall
The worship hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In front of the worship hall, there is a temporary hall called the "Kari-den." The Kari-den is a structure used to temporarily house the enshrined deity during the reconstruction of the main hall.
The Pure and Clear Mitarai Pond
Mitarai Pond is a natural spring-fed pond that produces an astonishing 400,000 liters of fresh water per day. Because of its abundant spring water, the pond is incredibly clear, allowing visitors to see all the way to its bottom. In the past, worshippers performed ritual purification in this river before praying, and even today, about 200 people participate in the Great Cold Water Purification Ritual at the start of the new year—a sight well worth seeing.
Near Mitarai Pond, there is a sacred tree. The sight of the sacred tree extending over the pond is truly impressive, so be sure to take in both the pond’s beauty and the powerful presence of the tree.
The 300m inner approach and the powerful energy of Okunomiya
■ Inner Approach
The inner approach of Kashima Jingu extends beyond the main hall. It stretches for about 300 meters, offering a refreshing walk through the forest. About 150 meters along the path, there is a deer park, reflecting the belief that deer are sacred animals.
■ Okunomiya
Okunomiya is one of the subsidiary shrines of Kashima Jingu. While the entire shrine is known as a powerful spiritual site, Okunomiya is said to have an especially strong energy. Some visitors may even feel a unique, solemn atmosphere different from other areas.
Kashima Jingu’s Omamori and Goshuin
■ Omamori
Kashima Jingu offers a wide variety of omamori (protective charms).
Household Safety Charm / Business Prosperity Charm / Earthquake Disaster Protection Charm / Onboard Safety Charm
Bountiful Catch Charm / Good Luck and Disaster Prevention Charm / Good Fortune Charm / Happiness Bell Charm
Traffic Safety Brocade Charm / Traffic Safety Gold Charm / Traffic Safety Sticker / Kashima Departure Charm
Martial Arts Charm / Eastern Japan’s Three Great Shrines Charm, etc.
■ Goshuin
Receiving a goshuin (shrine seal) may take some time. To make efficient use of your visit, it is recommended to submit your request before exploring the shrine grounds.
▶ Distribution Location: Prayer Hall
▶ Reception Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (from midnight on New Year's Day)
▶ Offering Fee: 500 yen
※ The prices listed are as of February 2020.
The perfect sweet shop for a break: "Ikkyu"
Within the grounds of Kashima Jingu, there is a sweet shop called "Ikkyu." It is the perfect place to take a break.
■ Concept of the sweet shop "Ikkyu"
"Ikkyu" operates with the concept of providing a place where visitors can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst rich natural surroundings. Dining or enjoying sweets in such an extraordinary setting makes the experience truly special.
■ Menu of the sweet shop "Ikkyu"
【Meals】
Festival Soba: 1,200 yen
Kashimanada Wakame Soba: 950 yen
Spring Water Seiro Soba: 780 yen
Spring Water Ita Soba (Serves 5): 3,700 yen
Tempura (Per Person): 800 yen, etc.
【Sweets】
Mitarashi Dango: 400 yen
Kibi Dango: 400 yen
Three-Color Dango: 450 yen
Shiratama Zenzai: 400 yen
Matcha (with Japanese Sweet): 500 yen, etc.
In addition, the shop also offers a variety of beverages, including Spring Water Coffee (500 yen) and Longevity Amazake (300 yen).
※ The prices listed are as of February 2020.
The Eastern First Torii and Western First Torii
■ Eastern First Torii
The Eastern First Torii stands at the location where Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is said to have landed. It is believed that Japan’s power spot ley line (the path of the rising sun) begins here at this easternmost point. Although it was struck by the tsunami during the Great East Japan Earthquake, it remained standing strong, leading many to feel its immense spiritual power.
■ Western First Torii
The Western First Torii is a torii gate that stands over the water. The sight of it illuminated by the setting sun is truly breathtaking, attracting many visitors who come to capture its beauty in photographs. It also serves as the venue for the Kashima City Fireworks Festival.
Name: Kashima Jingu
Address: 2306-1 Miyachu, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Official/Related URL: http://kashimajingu.jp/