Kashima Jingu
茨城県
The foremost martial deity shrine of eastern Japan — Kashima Jingu, ichinomiya of Hitachi Province, enshrining Takemikazuchi since 660 BCE
Type
Shrine
Visited
Want to go
Access
Approx. 10 min walk from JR Kashima Jingu Station on the Kashima Line
2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima, Ibaraki
Open in Google Maps ↗
Info
Shrine
Enshrined Deity
武甕槌大神
Overview
Kashima Jingu in Miyanaka, Kashima is the ichinomiya of Hitachi Province and the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima shrines nationwide. The enshrined deity Takemikazuchi-no-Okami is known as the martial deity who caused Okuninushi to relinquish the land in the Kuniyuzuri myth, revered since ancient times as the god of martial arts. Said to have been founded in the first year of Emperor Jinmu…
Read more
Origins
Kashima Jingu is traditionally said to have been founded in 660 BCE, the first year of Emperor Jinmu's reign, with Takemikazuchi-no-Okami enshrined as the principal deity. References to the shrine appear in the Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki, and by the Nara period it had become a site of national religious…
Read more
Divine Benefits
Martial Fortune
Warding Off Evil
Safe Travel
Victory in contests, sports, and critical challenges. Rooted in warrior-deity shrines such as Hachiman and Suwa.
Derived from the enshrined deity "武甕槌大神"
祭Festivals & Events— 1
祭
9月
1
Kashima Jingu Annual Festival
The annual festival of Kashima Jingu, ichinomiya of Hitachi Province. A prestigious ceremony at the shrine of the guardian deity of eastern Japan. Every 12 years, a grand boat procession crosses the water to Katori Jingu.
記Related Articles— 7
記
記
Takemikazuchi and Kashima Jingu: The God of Martial Arts and Victory
Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto is a deity of thunder and swords who persuaded Okuninushi to cede the land in Japanese mythology. This guide explores the three great shrines—Kashima Jingu, Kasuga Taisha, and Katori Jingu—revered by martial artists, warlords, and modern athletes alike.
basics
›
記
What God Is Enshrined at Kashima Shrine? — Takemikazuchi, the Thunder and Warrior Deity
Kashima shrines — 600 nationwide — enshrine Takemikazuchi, the thunder and sword deity who negotiated the transfer of Japan's land in mythology. Kashima Jingu in Ibaraki is the head shrine, revered by martial artists.
basics
›
記
What God Is Takemikazuchi? — The Thunder, Sword, and Martial Arts Deity of Kashima and Kasuga
Takemikazuchi is the supreme sword and thunder deity who persuaded Okuninushi to transfer the land of Japan in mythology. Kashima Jingu in Ibaraki is his head shrine. He is also the principal deity of Kasuga Taisha and the patron of sumo, kendo, and judo.
basics
›
もっと詳しく · 4
Posts
0
＋
No posts yet
Goshuin
No goshuin posts yet
Visiting Information
Hours
No gates/fences; open 24 hours year-round. Amulet office/prayer reception 8:30-16:30.
Admission
Free to visit. Treasure hall currently closed.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
Also Worth Visiting
鹿
Kashima Jingu Okumiya
The inner sanctuary at the end of an ancient cedar-lined approach — a sacred domain where the rough spirit of Takemikazuchi dwells in silence
367m
→
鹿
Kashima Jingu Mitarashi Pond
A mysterious spring of constant temperature venerated since antiquity as a ritual purification site — the Mitarashi Festival is held here every New Year's Day
0m
→
鹿
Kashima Jingu West First Torii
The great stone torii at the start of the waterway approach crossing the Tone River — a reminder of the Edo-era boat pilgrimage from Lake Kasumigaura
2.0km
→
＿
＿神社
A local Shinto shrine in Kashima…
346m
→
稲
Inao Shrine
A local Shinto shrine in Kashima…
347m
→
鹿
Kashima Katori Shrine
Situated where the faith circles of Kashima Jingu and Katori Jingu intersect — generations of warriors and farmers have prayed here for martial fortune and bountiful harvests
3.5km
→
伊
Ise Shrine
A Shinto shrine in Kashima…
943m
→
塚
Grave of Tsukahara Bokuden
The grave of the legendary sword saint who won all 19 of his duels — Tsukahara Bokuden, founder of the Kashima Shinto-ryu, rests here in Kashima
3.2km
→
記
Suggest an update
Suggest fixes to the location, history, visiting hours, access, facilities, notes and more
›
Report incorrect info ›
Get the app for a better experience
Auto stamp via GPS, offline access, and favorites tracking
View in app
＋
Explore pilgrimage with the app
View in app
✕