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Katori Jingu (Katori, Chiba)

Shrine Guide
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Summary

Katori Jingu (香取神宮) is the grand shrine of Shimosa Province and a historic center of national protection. It enshrines Futsunushi no Okami (経津主大神), a martial deity who appears in the Kuniyuzuri myth alongside Takemikazuchi. The quiet forest, vermilion gates, and ornate main sanctuary together create a calm yet solemn atmosphere.

Worship Hall (haiden) of Katori Jingu, rebuilt in 1700.
Worship Hall (haiden) of Katori Jingu

Key Facts

  • Province: Shimosa (historical province); revered as the province’s Ichinomiya
  • Enshrined Deity: Futsunushi no Okami
  • Founded / Legend: Ancient origin; appears in the Kuniyuzuri myth as a martial deity who pacified the land
  • Architecture: Honden in nagare-zukuri (流造) with a rear hisashi forming ryo-nagare; roof in hiwadabuki (檜皮葺).
  • Layout & Date: Honden–heiden–haiden in gongen-zukuri. Main hall and romon rebuilt in 1700; both are Important Cultural Properties.

History in Brief

Katori Jingu is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. In myth, Futsunushi no Okami was sent with Takemikazuchi to receive the land from Okuninushi and to pacify Ashihara no Nakatsukuni.

The shrine has long received imperial patronage and was honored with the title Jingu, a distinction shared by only a few shrines such as Ise and Kashima Jingu. In the Heian period, it was counted alongside Ise Jingu and Kashima Jingu among the few shrines bearing this distinguished title, and in the medieval era it was revered as the guardian of the eastern provinces.

The current honden (本殿) and romon (楼門) date to 1700 and are designated Important Cultural Properties. The shrine forest preserves old cedars and a calm approach that leads visitors into a sacred atmosphere.

Enshrined Deity

Futsunushi no Okami (経津主大神) is revered as a martial and guiding deity. Many visitors pray for national safety, victory, traffic safety, protection from misfortune, good harvests, and prosperous business. In a broad sense he is also honored as a guardian of peace and diplomacy.

Etiquette

Please keep these simple manners in mind when visiting the shrine.

  • Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (手水舎).
  • Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei).
  • Keep quiet around the honden (本殿, main sanctuary).
  • Please refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking within the shrine grounds.
  • Aerial drones are strictly prohibited.
  • Please be mindful when taking photos, as some areas may be sacred.

Visitor Tips

Stone lanterns lining the tranquil approach to Katori Shrine in Chiba, Japan.
Stone lanterns along the shrine approach
  • The long approach (sando) lined with old cedar trees creates a calm and sacred atmosphere.
  • The vermilion Ni-no-torii gate blends harmoniously with the surrounding greenery and cherry blossoms.
  • Don’t miss the Kaname-ishi, a sacred stone said to pin down an underground giant catfish.
  • Beyond the main hall lies the okumiya, enshrining the rough spirit of Futsunushi no Okami.
  • Paths may be slippery after rain—please walk carefully.

Photography may be restricted near sacred areas. Please follow on-site signs.

Omamori (Amulets)

Common omamori (お守り) for travel safety, protection, and good fortune are typically ¥1,000–¥2,000. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.

You can find details on the shrine’s official page (Japanese only): Amulets Page ↗

Festivals

Katori Jingu holds many traditional ceremonies throughout the year. The four below are especially well known.

  • Shinko-sai (神幸祭): Every April — a solemn procession with parishioners in historical attire, centered on the mikoshi. It reenacts the pacification led by Futsunushi no Okami.
  • Shikinen Shinko-sai (式年神幸祭): Once every 12 years (Year of the Horse) — the procession expands to around 3,000 participants and includes a sacred boat on the Tone River; the next is planned for 2026.
  • Otaue-sai (御田植祭): Late April to early May — rice-planting rites praying for good harvests; counted among Japan’s notable rice-planting festivals.
  • Taikyo-sai (大饗祭): November 30 — a thanksgiving rite with torchlights, special offerings, and elegant dance in the evening.

How to Visit & Access

Located in Katori City, Chiba. The grounds are large and surrounded by an old cedar grove.

From JR Sawara Station (JR Narita Line), take a taxi for about 10 minutes, or use a community bus toward Katori Jingu. From JR Katori Station (unmanned), it takes about 30 minutes on foot (~2 km).

Travel times are approximate and may vary by schedule. Hours may vary by season and events.

Nearby

  • Sawara Historic District — preserved canal town known as “Little Edo.”
  • Kashima Jingu — another ancient Ichinomiya across the Tone River, historically regarded as a counterpart to Katori Jingu.
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