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Kashima Jingu (Kashima, Ibaraki)

Shrine Guide
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Summary

Kashima Jingu (鹿島神宮) is the grand shrine of Hitachi Province and one of Japan’s oldest sanctuaries, dedicated to Takemikazuchi no Okami (武甕槌大神), the deity of martial valor and national protection. The shrine is known for its sacred forest, the clear Mitarashi Pond, and legends that link ancient myth with local life. Shrine tradition holds that it was founded in 660 BC,the first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign.

Main worship hall (haiden) of Kashima Jingu Shrine with granite torii and cedar forest in Ibaraki
Main worship hall (haiden) of Kashima Jingu

Key Facts

  • Province: Hitachi (historical province); the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Hitachi.
  • Enshrined Deities: Takemikazuchi no Okami (武甕槌大神). The okumiya enshrines the aramitama (vigorous spirit) of the deity.
  • Founded / Legend: Shrine tradition holds that it was founded in 660 BC during the era of Emperor Jimmu; venerated since ancient times for pacifying the land.
  • Architecture: Early Edo-period buildings — The honden, heiden, and haiden were donated by Tokugawa Hidetada (1619); okumiya by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1605); Romon gate by Tokugawa Yorifusa (1634). All are Important Cultural Properties.

History in Brief

Kashima Jingu has long been revered as the seat of Takemikazuchi, famed in myth for subduing the land and bringing peace. Historical records show strong imperial and warrior patronage. In the early 1600s, Tokugawa leaders donated the current buildings, now designated Important Cultural Properties.

Within the treasury is the famous straight sword (chokuto) over 2.7 m long, designated a National Treasure; the treasure hall is currently closed for long-term works. The shrine’s faith is closely linked with Kasuga Taisha in Nara, where tradition says the deity traveled on the back of a sacred deer.

Enshrined Deities

Takemikazuchi no Okami protects the nation, guides martial arts, and wards off calamities. Many visitors pray for protection, safe travel, success in endeavors, and good health. The okumiya venerates the aramitama aspect, reached by a solemn path under towering trees.

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

  • Mitarashi Pond (御手洗池) is fed by clear spring water; in the past pilgrims purified themselves here. A small torii stands beside the water.
  • Walk the okusando (~300 m) under ancient trees to reach the okumiya; the shrine forest (juso) is a protected natural monument with rich plant life.
  • Near the okumiya is the legendary Kaname-ishi, said to pin down the giant catfish that causes earthquakes. Kashima’s stone is said to be concave, while the matching one at Katori Jingu is convex, symbolically completing the pair.
  • At the Deer Garden, deer are cared for as messengers of the kami, reflecting the historic link with Kasuga Taisha in Nara.

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

Mitarashi Pond with stone torii at Kashima Jingu Shrine
Mitarashi Pond for ritual purification

Omamori (Amulets)

Common omamori (お守り) for travel safety, protection, and good fortune are typically ¥500–¥2,000. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.

You can find details on the shrine’s page introducing its original amulets (Japanese only): Amulets Page ↗

Festivals

Kashima Jingu hosts many rites through the year. The four below are especially notable in history and scale.

  • Shinkosai (神幸祭): Held annually on September 1–2. A lantern-lit evening procession departs from the main sanctuary on September 1, followed by rites on September 2.
  • Omifune-sai (御船祭): Held every 12 years in the Year of the Horse. After the September 1 Reitaisai, an on-land procession “Kashima-dachi” heads to the river port, then a grand fleet carries the mikoshi for welcoming rites with Katori. Next: 2026.
  • Hakuba-sai (白馬祭): January 7 — seeing a white horse at the year’s beginning is said to purify misfortune; many visitors watch as the sacred horse walks before the shrine.
  • Saitousai (祭頭祭): March 9 — a vigorous spring festival designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, featuring community processions with bamboo poles and festival music.

How to Visit & Access

Located in Kashima City, southeastern Ibaraki. From JR Kashima Jingu Station, a short walk leads through the approach lined with shops and tall trees.

From JR Kashima Jingu Station, walk about 7–10 minutes to the shrine. The station is served by the JR Kashima Line (and also the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai–Kashima Line). For visitors from Tokyo, the Kashima-go highway bus from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) takes about 2 hours and is the simplest option. On the Kashima Rinkai Railway, IC cards are not accepted — please purchase a paper ticket.

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

Nearby

  • Katori Jingu (Chiba) — historic counterpart across the Tone River; pairs naturally with Kashima Jingu for a same-day “Togoku Sansha” visit.
  • Ikisu Jinja (Kamisu) — the third shrine of the Togoku Sansha, a short drive from Kashima.
  • Sawara Historic District (Chiba) — a preserved canal town near Katori Jingu, often visited together on the Togoku Sansha route.
  • Itako — canals and seasonal iris gardens; pleasant boat rides from late spring to early summer.
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