Kanpei Taisha / Jingu Ichinomiya (Shimosa Province)

Katori Shrine

香取神宮

/ Katori Jingu

Admission
Free (Treasure Hall: 300 JPY)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
30 min walk
Hours
Open daily

Overview

Katori Jingu is the twin shrine to Kashima Jingu, together forming the sacred pair that guarded ancient Japan's eastern frontier. Enshrining Futsunushi-no-kami, the deity of swords and lightning, it was one of only three shrines in all of Japan given the prestigious 'Jingu' title in the ancient Engishiki records. The shrine has deep connections to martial arts, and many kenjutsu (swordsmanship) schools trace their spiritual lineage here. It is the head of approximately 400 Katori shrines, most located in the Kanto region. Set in an ancient cedar forest, the approach to the shrine has a timeless quality that transports visitors back centuries.

History

Founding

📜According to tradition
-643 [神武天皇18年]

Traditional founding dated to 643 BC. One of only three 'Jingu' shrines in the Engishiki alongside Ise and Kashima. Head shrine of approximately 400 Katori shrines nationwide. The shrine's deity Futsunushi was sent with Takemikazuchi to pacify the land in the Kuni-yuzuri myth.

1700📄Documented

Current main hall constructed by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

God of swords, martial prowess, and national pacification

Blessings

Shrine Network

Head shrine of approximately 400 branch shrines nationwide.

Did You Know?

💡

The Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, one of the oldest extant martial arts schools in Japan (founded c. 1447), takes its name from this shrine.

Source: documented

💡

Together with Kashima, Katori formed what the ancients called the 'divine eastern frontier' protecting the Yamato heartland.

Source: tradition

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

35.8850, 140.5278

Physical Address

1697-1 Katori, Katori, Chiba

千葉県香取市香取1697-1

Access

Katori Station (JR Narita Line)

30 min walk

Hours

Open daily

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Related Shrines

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Katori Shrine?

Katori Jingu is the twin shrine to Kashima Jingu, together forming the sacred pair that guarded ancient Japan's eastern frontier. Enshrining Futsunushi-no-kami, the deity of swords and lightning, it was one of only three shrines in all of Japan given the prestigious 'Jingu' title in the ancient Engishiki records. The shrine has deep connections to martial arts, and many kenjutsu (swordsmanship) schools trace their spiritual lineage here. It is the head of approximately 400 Katori shrines, most located in the Kanto region. Set in an ancient cedar forest, the approach to the shrine has a timeless quality that transports visitors back centuries.

Where is Katori Shrine located?

Katori Shrine is located in Katori, Chiba. The full address is: 1697-1 Katori, Katori, Chiba.

What deities are enshrined at Katori Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Futsunushi no Kami.

What blessings can you pray for at Katori Shrine?

Katori Shrine is known for: Victory, Martial Arts, Family Safety, New Beginnings.

How do I get to Katori Shrine?

The nearest station is Katori Station (JR Narita Line). It is about a 30-minute walk from the station. Bus from Sawara Station (15 min)