Kashima jingu | The Sacred Sanctuary of Japan’s Martial GodA Shrine Steeped in Over 2000 Years of History

Mar 7

Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashima jingu is one of Japan’s most prestigious Shinto shrines, founded in 660 B.C. It serves as the head shrine of over 600 Kashima jingus across Japan and enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the god of martial arts. Unlike Kyoto or Nara, Kashima jingu offers a serene and authentic experience, making it a perfect destination for discerning travelers seeking cultural and spiritual depth.

Must-See Highlights of Kashima jingu

1. Main Hall & Worship Hall

The shrine complex, consisting of four structures—the Main Hall, ritual place of stone-paved room, Offering Hall, and Worship Hall—was donated by Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1619. It is now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Main Hall (Honden): Located at the far end of the shrine, this elegant structure follows the Sangensha Nagare-zukuri architectural style and houses the enshrined deity, Takemikazuchi-no-Okami.
Worship Hall (Haiden): The first building visible to visitors, used for formal prayers and ceremonies such as weddings.

2. The Inner Shrine (Okunomiya)

The Inner Shrine was originally enshrined as the main sanctuary in 1605 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as an offering of gratitude for his victory in the Battle of Sekigahara. Fourteen years later, it was relocated to its current position when a new main hall was constructed. This sacred space holds an air of deep spiritual reverence.

3. Mitarashi Pond

This crystal-clear pond produces over 400,000 liters of pure spring water daily, making it a mesmerizing sight. Once used for purification rituals before worship, it is still the site of an annual winter purification ceremony where over 200 participants immerse themselves in its sacred waters.

4. The Kaname Stone

This mysterious stone is believed to prevent earthquakes by restraining the head of a giant catfish lurking underground. Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Lord Mito Komon) once attempted to uncover its true depth, but after seven days of digging with no end in sight—and a series of unexplained injuries among his men—he abandoned the endeavor. The legend of Kaname Stone continues to captivate visitors today.