📕 Goshuin from visitors
Kashima Jingu (Kashima Grand Shrine)
〒314-0031 茨城県鹿嶋市宮中２３０６−１
Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this ancient shrine has long been revered by the Imperial Court and samurai families as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Hitachi Province. The enshrined deity is Take-Mikazuchi Ookami, the god of nation-building and martial arts. Regarded as one of the oldest shrines in the eastern region, it is said to have been founded in the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign (traditionally 660 BCE). It is collectively known as the 'Sancha of the East' alongside Katori Jingu in Chiba Prefecture and Ikutsuki Shrine in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Take-Mikazuchi Ookami is a warrior deity who played a key role in the 'myth of the ceding of the land' recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, and was also worshipped by the Fujiwara clan as their ancestral deity. The 'Yose-Ishi' (cornerstone) within the precincts is a sacred stone believed to suppress the head of a giant catfish that causes earthquakes. The Okumiya (inner sanctuary) is a shrine building donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu in gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara. Over 90 festivals are held annually, preserving unique traditional rituals such as the Sai-to Matsuri, Hakuba Matsuri, and Yabusame (horseback archery).
Enshrined deities
Takemikazuchi-no-Okami
History
As the head shrine of all Kashima Shrines nationwide and one of the Sancha of the East, it enshrines Take-Mikazuchi Ookami, the god of war. It is revered as a deity of victory and sure success.
Blessings
It is worshipped for blessings related to luck in competitions (sure victory and promotion) and the fulfillment of wishes.
What visitors say
The vast precincts are lush with greenery, and a sacred atmosphere permeates the area as one proceeds along the inner approach path. The approach is wide, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the walk to the Otewashi Pond (hand-washing pool). Restaurants and souvenir shops line the surrounding area, and using nearby private parking facilities is convenient. Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamps) can be obtained at the shrine office, and visitors can enjoy dango (sweet rice dumplings) and miso dengaku (grilled tofu with miso) at the tea house.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Tuesday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Wednesday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Thursday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Friday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Saturday: 8:30 – 16:30
- Sunday: 8:30 – 16:30
Access
- 月曜日: 24 時間営業
- 火曜日: 24 時間営業
- 水曜日: 24 時間営業
- 木曜日: 24 時間営業
- 金曜日: 24 時間営業
- 土曜日: 24 時間営業
- 日曜日: 24 時間営業
Annual events & festivals
- January 7Hakuba-sai (White Horse Festival)
A festival to purify evil influences of the new year by viewing a white horse and praying for health and safety.
A New Year festival based on the belief that seeing a white horse on January 7 purifies evil influences for the entire year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Belief in the white horse
- ・Prayers for health and safety
- ・New Year festival
- March 9Saitou-sai (Head Priest Festival)
A vigorous spring festival featuring performers in colorful costumes interlocking oak poles.
Held on March 9, this festival prays for a bountiful harvest and peace in the world. Performers in colorful costumes interlock oak poles and parade through the streets accompanied by festive songs.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Oak poles interlocked by performers
- ・Colorful costumes
- ・Prayers for a bountiful harvest
- September 1-2Reisai (Annual Grand Festival) and Shinkosai (Procession Festival)
The most important festival at Kashima Jingu, bustling with the Lantern Night and Procession Festival.
On September 1, the most important festival of the year is held. Every six years (in years of the Rat and Horse), imperial envoys visit. In the evening, the 'Lantern Night' lights up with lanterns dedicated by local households, and at night, the Procession Festival takes place as the portable shrine parades through the local community.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Most important annual grand festival
- ・Lantern Night
- ・Procession of the portable shrine in the Procession Festival
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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