Shirakawa Kashima Shrine
白河鹿嶋神社
Fukushima · Shirakawa
Kashima Martial Arts
Kanpei Taisha / Jingu
Ichinomiya (Hitachi Province)
Kashima Shrine
鹿島神宮
/ Kashima Jingu
Admission
Free (Treasure Hall: 300 JPY)
Goshuin
500 JPY
Access
10 min walk
Hours
Open daily, grounds open 24 hours
Overview
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.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
-660 [神武天皇元年]
Traditionally dated to 660 BC (year 1 of Emperor Jimmu), though no reliable records support this. The Hitachi Fudoki mentions the shrine with a reference to 649 AD. It was one of only three shrines given the prestigious 'Jingu' title in the Engishiki, alongside Ise Jingu and Katori Jingu. Together with Katori Jingu, it formed the sacred eastern frontier of ancient Japan.
📄
Documented
649 Source: Hitachi Fudoki (earliest reliable mention; kobe rebuilt in 649)
649📄Documented
Earliest reliable historical mention in Hitachi Fudoki
1619📄Documented
Current main hall built by Tokugawa Hidetada
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Kashima head
Head shrine of approximately 600 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
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
In Pop Culture
game / 2015
Touken Ranbu Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki. Houses the national treasure sword Futsu-no-mitama. The sword deity tradition connects to the game's themes.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.9688, 140.6310
Physical Address
2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki
茨城県鹿嶋市宮中2306-1
Historical Province
Hitachi
Access
Kashima-Jingu Station (JR Kashima Line)
10 min walk
Hours
Open daily, grounds open 24 hours
Bus
Highway bus from Tokyo Station (2 hours)
Best Times to Visit
springautumn
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Accessibility
Partial
Official Website
https://kashimajingu.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
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.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
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: Victory, Martial Arts, Safe Travel, New Ventures.
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)