Kanpei Taisha / Jingu Ichinomiya (Hitachi Province)

Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine
Image : Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Tarif
Free (Treasure Hall: 300 JPY)
Goshuin
500 JPY
Acces
10 min walk
Horaires
Open daily, grounds open 24 hours

Vue d'ensemble

Kashima Jingu is one of the most ancient and prestigious shrines in eastern Japan, enshrining Takemikazuchi, the deity of thunder and swords who, according to mythology, pacified the earthly realm to prepare for the descent of the imperial line. Together with nearby Katori Jingu, it formed the divine gateway to the eastern frontier. The shrine possesses one of only five complete sets of ancient armor designated National Treasures, and its sacred deer park predates the more famous one at Nara. The word 'kashima-dachi' (Kashima departure), meaning an auspicious beginning to a journey, entered the Japanese language from the custom of praying here before setting out on long travels. The shrine's ancient forest, enormous sacred spring (Mitarashi-no-ike), and 'kaname-ishi' (foundation stone said to pin down the earthquake-causing catfish) create a profoundly atmospheric pilgrimage site.

Histoire

Fondation

📜Selon la tradition
-660 [神武天皇元年]
📄
Atteste par les sources
649

Source: Hitachi Fudoki (earliest reliable mention; kobe rebuilt in 649)

649📄Atteste par les sources

Earliest reliable historical mention in Hitachi Fudoki

1619📄Atteste par les sources

Current main hall built by Tokugawa Hidetada

Reseau de sanctuaires

Head shrine of approximately 600 branch shrines nationwide.

A savoir

💡

The Japanese expression 'kashima-dachi' (an auspicious departure) comes from the ancient custom of praying at this shrine before a journey.

Source: documented

💡

The shrine's 'kaname-ishi' (foundation stone) is believed to pin down the giant catfish that causes earthquakes.

Source: tradition

💡

Kashima was one of only three shrines accorded the 'Jingu' honorific in the Engishiki, the other two being Ise and Katori.

Source: documented

Dans la pop culture

game / 2015
Touken Ranbu
Lien fort releve par les fans

Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki. Houses the national treasure sword Futsu-no-mitama. The sword deity tradition connects to the game's themes.

Infos pratiques

Location Coordinates

35.9688, 140.6310

Physical Address

2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki

Province historique

Hitachi

Acces

Kashima-Jingu Station (JR Kashima Line)

10 min walk

Horaires

Open daily, grounds open 24 hours

Bus

Highway bus from Tokyo Station (2 hours)

Meilleure saison

springautumn

Langues etrangeres

English signage

Accessibilite

Partial

Informations visiteurs verifiees le 2026-04-06. Consultez le site officiel pour les details actuels.

Pourquoi ce sanctuaire

One of only three 'Jingu' shrines in ancient Japan and the head of a network of over 600 Kashima shrines. Its role in mythology as the departure point for the divine pacification of Japan and its deep martial arts connections make it foundational to understanding Shinto's relationship with Japanese state formation.

Sanctuaires lies

Questions frequentes

Contenu redige par l'equipe editoriale de Jinja DB

What is Kashima Shrine?

Kashima Jingu is one of the most ancient and prestigious shrines in eastern Japan, enshrining Takemikazuchi, the deity of thunder and swords who, according to mythology, pacified the earthly realm to prepare for the descent of the imperial line. Together with nearby Katori Jingu, it formed the divine gateway to the eastern frontier. The shrine possesses one of only five complete sets of ancient armor designated National Treasures, and its sacred deer park predates the more famous one at Nara. The word 'kashima-dachi' (Kashima departure), meaning an auspicious beginning to a journey, entered the Japanese language from the custom of praying here before setting out on long travels. The shrine's ancient forest, enormous sacred spring (Mitarashi-no-ike), and 'kaname-ishi' (foundation stone said to pin down the earthquake-causing catfish) create a profoundly atmospheric pilgrimage site.

Where is Kashima Shrine located?

Kashima Shrine is located in Kashima, Ibaraki. The full address is: 2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki.

What deities are enshrined at Kashima Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Takemikazuchi no Okami.

What blessings can you pray for at Kashima Shrine?

Kashima Shrine is known for: victoire, arts martiaux, voyage en securite, nouveaux projets.

How do I get to Kashima Shrine?

The nearest station is Kashima-Jingu Station (JR Kashima Line). It is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Highway bus from Tokyo Station (2 hours)