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Kashima Shrine

茨城県

4.5

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

The shrine has a long history and worships the god Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto.

Kashima Shrine is one of the three shrines in the eastern region along with Ise Shrine and Katori Shrine, and is a solemn shrine with Takemikazuchi-no-Okami as the enshrined deity. There are many attractions such as the vermilion-painted gate, which is one of Japan's three greatest gates, the colorful main shrine, the deer feeding experience in the deer park on the inner approach, and the purifying and healing power spot of the Oyukake Pond. When you visit, take your time to enjoy the sights!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Majestic Tower Gate and Historic Main Shrine!

The tower gate of Kashima Shrine gives an impressive and majestic impression with a height of about 13 meters, and is counted as one of the three greatest tower gates in Japan. When you pass through the tower gate, you can see the main shrine in front of you. The main shrine is the central building of Kashima Shrine and is where the enshrined deity is worshiped. The main shrine was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu and has been designated as a national treasure. The main shrine has a very majestic structure, with lush green trees growing around it, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

Point 2

Feeding and Interacting with Deer at Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine has a large area called the "Deer Garden." The Deer Garden is an area where deer that inhabit the Kashima Shrine territory can freely roam, allowing visitors to enjoy interacting with them. About 32 deer live in the Deer Garden, and activities such as feeding them and taking pictures with them are available. One of the features of the deer at Kashima Shrine is that they are accustomed to tourists, making it relatively easy to see them up close!

Point 3

Mysterious Sacred Tree with a History of Approximately 1,300 Years!

At Kashima Shrine, there is a tree called the "sacred tree" that is said to be over 1,300 years old. It stands approximately 30 meters tall and has been designated as a natural monument by the government. This sacred tree, which has grown with the history of Kashima Shrine, is beloved by many worshippers. Additionally, there are many old trees around the sacred tree, and just walking along the approach to the shrine gives off a mysterious atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery!

Point 4

The Holy Power of the Mitarashi Pond!

Mitarashi Pond is one of the most important places in Kashima Shrine, and it's believed that the water in the pond holds a purified and holy power. Visitors come to purify their hands and mouths, and to see the goldfish and carp. At the beginning of the year, there is an event where 200 people perform the Daikan Misogi, a ritual to purify oneself. Near the Mitarashi Pond, there is a tea house called "Wakasagi Chaya Ikkyu" where you can enjoy drinks and mitarashi dango made with spring water. Why not stop by when you visit?

Point 5

Historic Buildings Spread Along Jingu-mae Street!

Jingu-mae Street at Kashima Shrine is a road leading to the shrine, and is a path lined with lush greenery and historic buildings. Various shops sell souvenirs, food and drink, and traditional crafts. Walking along the approach, you can also experience the history and culture associated with Kashima Shrine. There are shops where you can enjoy craft beer brewed with sacred water, as well as local specialties such as sweet potatoes and soba noodles. During the New Year's holiday season, many stalls appear, offering gourmet food, lottery games, and goldfish scooping for your enjoyment!

History

One of the Most Prestigious Shrines in the Kanto Region

This shrine is considered one of the most prestigious shrines in the Kanto region and is said to have particularly strong power among shrines throughout the country, with blessings for wishes such as matchmaking and success in competitions. The history of Kashima Shrine is ancient, with its founding dating back to the early 7th century. Since then, it has been involved in many historical events, including battles during the Kamakura period and the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. Additionally, the shrine's main hall has been designated as a national treasure, with its beautiful architectural style and sculptures being one of its main attractions. Kashima Shrine is visited by many people every year, and especially during the New Year, it is crowded with people making their first shrine visit of the year. Various events are held throughout the year, such as festivals and ceremonies.

Basic Information

	Address	2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima-shi, Ibaraki-ken 314-0031
	Business Hours	8:30～16:30
	TEL	0299-82-1209
	Web Site	http://kashimajingu.jp/

Average Review

4.5

5 Reviews

１０年くらい前から年に一度夏の終わりに参拝させていただいてます。到着前に橋の上から海の鳥居⛩️が見えて、車を停車して、参道の商店街の鹿のオブジェが見えたらその先にあるのが大鳥居⛩️です。鳥居の前でご挨拶して、中に入り少し歩くと、重要文化財の【鹿島神宮楼門】が見えてきます。立派な楼門からご挨拶して進み右手には、拝殿その奥(拝殿の後ろ)に本殿、左手には、授与所（お守り等）と、更に奥に進むと社務所（御朱印の受付）があります。拝殿と授与書の間の参道に戻り、真っ直ぐ進むと左手にさざれ石🪨や鹿園🦌が見えて来ます。お土産屋さんもあり、鹿の餌を購入して餌付けもできます❣️ 更に山道を進むと右手に【奥宮】⛩️が見えてきますので参拝奥宮に沿って右折しばらく進むと【要石】⛩️があります。戻って奥宮を背に階段を降りて、下り坂を進むと茶屋🍵🍡が見えてきます。 3色のお団子がほんのり甘くてとても美味しいです。長椅子が並べてあり、ホッとできる場所です。奥には湧水や大きな鯉🐟が泳ぐお手洗い池があります。池の前には【大黒社】⛩️があり、池のと大黒社の間を流れる小川には、ザリガニ🦐や、小さなお魚🐠が泳いでいて、動きがあって楽しめます。川の先には『お手洗い池口鳥居⛩️』が見えてきます。外に駐車場があるので、こちらから参拝に来られる方もいらっしゃるようです。帰り、池までの下り坂が急なので帰る時の上りが結構キツイです汗😅💦笑 ⚫︎トイレは、本殿、授与所の前と、お手洗い池口鳥居の近くにありました。どちらも綺麗です。

人生の希望を込めて鹿島立ち希望を感じたくて行ってきました。周辺全体が鹿島神宮になっているかと感じるような雰囲気でしたね。そして、境内は、まさに神様の領域という印象・・・。観るところもたくさんありますし、それこそ、ウロウロしながら本堂に向かうような感じでした。途中の茶屋も風情があって素敵でしたね。そして、とても神秘的な空間も・・・。また機会があったら行きたいです。

初訪問。今回の遠征は鹿島神宮を目指してやってきました。生憎の曇天でとても寒かったです。ですが、なにか身が引き締まるような気持ちになりました。何かお祭りがあるのか、色々と準備していましたね。参道を下って行くと鹿がいたり、更に降ると甘味処のようなところがあり、外では団子、鮎の塩焼きがライブで焼かれていてとても食べたかったんですが、昼を食べたばかりだったので断念。あると知っていれば調整したんですが…。ともあれ、とても良いところと感じました。また来たいと思います。

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静かで神秘的な雰囲気が漂う神社！