Kashima Jingu and Katori Jingu: The Ultimate Power Spot Circuit

Kashima Jingu, Shrine of Martial Arts

Kashima Jingu in Kashima City, Ibaraki is the head shrine of about 600 Kashima shrines nationwide. Dedicated to Takemikazuchi no Okami, it has been venerated as the deity of martial arts and of fortune in contests and decisiveness since ancient times. Founded in 660 BCE according to tradition, it is counted among the oldest shrines of the East Country.

Note: this page focuses on Kashima Jingu as the starting point of the Three Shrines of the East Country pilgrimage.

Majestic Approach and Main Hall

The inner approach, lined with towering cedars, is filled with a sacred atmosphere among giant trees several hundred years old. The main hall, romon gate, and worship hall are Important Cultural Properties. The romon gate, dedicated by Tokugawa Yorifusa in 1634, is one of Japan's three great romon gates, and the main hall was built in 1619 by order of Tokugawa Hidetada. Near the inner shrine are the Kaname-ishi, said to pin down the great catfish that causes earthquakes, and the mysterious Mitarashi Pond where clear water wells up, both popular as power spots.

Combined Visit with Katori Jingu

The pilgrimage of the Three Shrines of the East Country, combining Katori Jingu across the Tone River in Chiba and Ikisu Jinja, has been practiced since ancient times. The three shrines are said to form a right isosceles triangle when linked, and since the Edo period they drew faith as a route visited after a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: the New Year visit, the fresh green of spring from April to May, and the autumn foliage of November are especially popular. Worship in the clear air of early morning heightens the solemnity of the sacred grounds
• Avoiding crowds: the first three days of January are very busy. For a calm visit, a weekday or early morning is best
• Time needed: about 1 to 2 hours for Kashima Jingu alone. Allow half a day to a full day by car for the Three Shrines pilgrimage
• Nearby real spots: Katori Jingu in Katori City, Chiba, and Ikisu Jinja in Kamisu City, Ibaraki. Touring the three by car is the standard route
• Budget: worship is free. Even with a goshuin, an amulet, and food along the way, a few thousand yen covers it. The Mifune festival, held in the Year of the Horse, is known as a grand water festival that comes once every twelve years

Access

About 10 minutes on foot from Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line. By car, about 15 minutes from the Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway. The Kashima highway bus from the Yaesu south exit of Tokyo Station is convenient, reaching Kashima Jingu in about 2 hours. For the Three Shrines pilgrimage, touring by car is recommended.

📚 Sources

This article is based on grounds guidance and on-site signs at Kashima Jingu, information published by Kashima City and local tourism organizations, and the general history of the Eastern Three Shrines pilgrimage. Worship and offering hours, highway bus services, and guidance for the three shrines may change. Before your visit, please confirm the latest details through official Kashima Jingu and shrine information or on-site notices.

Visitor Checklist

• Approximate time: About 1 to 2 hours for Kashima Jingu alone; allow half a day to a full day by car for the Eastern Three Shrines
• What to bring: The inner approach is a gravel path among giant trees, so wear easy walking shoes; a jacket adds comfort for early morning worship in the crisp air
• Suggested route: Worship at the main hall through the tower gate, visit the inner shrine, the Kaname-ishi stone, and Mitarashi Pond, then drive on to link Katori Jingu in Chiba and Ikisu Shrine in Kamisu
• Seasonal tip: The New Year, fresh green in April to May, and foliage in November are popular; early morning worship heightens the solemn atmosphere of the sacred grounds
• Avoiding crowds: The first three days of the new year are very busy; a weekday or early morning is best for a calm visit