Kashima Jingu Shrine
Attraction
4.5 (13676 reviews)
Storied Shinto shrine with a red-lacquer entrance gate & 4 prayer halls, surrounded by a deer park.
2306-1 Kyūchū, Kashima, Ibaraki 314-0031, Japan
+81 50-1724-5007
Did You Know?
Birthplace of Budo
Kashima Jingu is revered as the spiritual home and birthplace of several traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo) styles, including Kashima Shin-ryu, due to its dedication to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the god of thunder and swords.
Earthquake Suppressor Stone
A unique feature is the 'Namazu-ishi' (Catfish Stone), a legendary stone believed to pin down the giant catfish (Namazu) that causes earthquakes in Japan, thus protecting the land from seismic disasters.
Sacred Messengers
Sacred deer roam freely within the shrine's extensive grounds. These deer are considered divine messengers and are historically linked to the deer of Nara, as some were sent from Kashima to protect the newly established capital.
Ancient Founding
Kashima Jingu is one of Japan's oldest and most historically significant Shinto shrines, with its founding traditionally dated back to 660 BC, making it a profound site of ancient Japanese spirituality.