The gods of Hitachi, the three shrines of the Eastern Province, Kashima Shrine

Detailed exploration of Kashima Shrine, the site of Ichinomiya, the Mutsujin Shrine,

As the first step to visiting the three shrines in the Eastern Provinces, we visited Kashima Shrine, located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Surrounded by a deep history and rich nature, this place was truly a sacred space. The charm of Kashima Shrine is not just a visit to shrines, but can be felt from a variety of aspects, such as the founding myth of Japan, the origins of martial arts, and harmony with nature.

Mysteries of Kashima and Kashima and historical memories engraved in place names

The seemingly trivial difference between the "shima" of Kashima Shrine and the "shima" of Kashima City actually hides an interesting historical background. Fukutaro, a spiritually talented cat who lives in Kashima Shrine, answered questions that every local person has.

The time is the Heisei era. With the birth of the J League, the Kashima Antlers made a leap forward, and momentum increased to merge with their hometowns, Kashima Town, Kamisu Town, Hasaki Town, and Ono Town. Kashima City was the most likely name for the new city, but unfortunately, there was already a city with the same name in Saga Prefecture, so we were unable to obtain permission to use it.

The white-winged arrow was the ancient name "Kashima," which was listed in the Engishiki Shinmeicho. This name, which evokes ancient memories, has played an important role in establishing Shinichi's identity.

Going back further, Kashima was written in ancient times as "Kashima." The changes in place names can also be seen from the changes in place names that this place has been cherished as a sacred place, even though its appearance has changed over time.

The divine power of the enshrined deity Takemikazuchi Omikami

The enshrined deity of Kashima Shrine is Takemikazuchi Ookami. In the old days of the gods, he was given the orders of Amaterasu Omikami, and along with the deity of Katori Shrine, he descended to the heavens of Izumo, along with the deity of Tsunetsu Shu Oogami, enshrined at Katori Shrine, and completed negotiations with Okuninushi no Mikoto to transfer the country to the country. He has long been revered as a god who has made a major contribution to Japan's founding country.

Takemikazuchi Ogami is also known as the god of war and is also worshiped as a god of swordsmanship. His brave and bold appearance has captured the hearts of many samurai, and Kashima Shrine has made a name for itself as a sacred place for martial arts.

Historical: From encounters with Emperor Jimmu to the present day

The establishment of Kashima Shrine dates back to the era of the first Emperor Jimmu. When Emperor Jimmu was in a difficult situation on his way to the East, he was saved by the divine power of Takemikazuchi Ogami's "Futsutsuma no Tsurugi." It is said that Emperor Jimmu, who thanked this divine favor, enshrined the Ogami here in the year of his accession to the throne.

After that, Kashima Shrine was held as a base for expeditions in the Eastern Provinces, and during the Nara and Heian periods it became a profound worshipper as the guardian deity of the nation. A reconstruction shrine was also carried out once every 20 years, and its importance was demonstrated.

From the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period, he gained the respect of many warlords, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and established his position as a god of war. They prayed for victory and for good fortune, and visited Kashima Shrine, making great contributions.

The entrance to the sacred area, where the Setsusue shrine stands

After passing through the torii gate at Kashima Shrine, you will find the Setsusue Shrine located on your left. The back of the torii gate is a sacred sacred area, and once you step inside, you can feel the atmosphere completely change. The cold air tightens and feels like it purifies the mind and body.

The original shrines of Numao Shrine and Sakado Shrine enshrined here were said to be near Kashima Shrine. By learning about the history of each shrine, you can feel the widespread faith in the area, centered around Kashima Shrine.

A newly reborn treasure museum where national treasures lie

The treasure museum, which was under construction at the time of the visit, has been reborn. This treasure museum displays numerous precious divine treasures, including the Stone Sword (Futsutsuma no Tsurugi), a national treasure and the oldest, largest straight sword in Japan (gold-bronze black lacquer patterned with a sword and a sword and a sword and a sword).

The Sorcerer Sword is the sword that Takemikazuchi Ogami is said to have saved Emperor Jimmu, and it can be said to be a symbol of Kashima Shrine. Its overwhelming presence captivates the viewer and invites him to an ancient romance.

North facing worship hall: donation from the second Tokugawa shogun

The current shrine was dedicated to Hidetada, the second Tokugawa shogun, and is designated as an important cultural property. The unusual north facing worship hall overwhelms the worshippers with its magnificent appearance.

The main shrine is enshrined at the back of the worship hall, and Takemikazuchi Ogami is enshrined. In a space surrounded by silence, you can feel the sacred energy, express your gratitude every day and pray for peace.

The thatched roof shrine dedicated to Okumiya and Tokugawa Ieyasu

If you continue along the approach from the shrine, you will find an Okumiya on your right at the end of the journey. It was dedicated by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is also designated an Important Cultural Property. The thatched roof is covered in moss, giving it a historical feel.

The rough spirit of Takemikazuchi Omikami is enshrined in the Okumiya Shrine. Aragoshi is one of God's aspects and is said to symbolize brave and bold power and the power to overcome difficulties.

This Okunomiya was dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu as the main shrine in 1605, but was moved to this location in 1619 as the main shrine was built by the second Lord Hidetada.

The Okumiya is said to be filled with extremely powerful spiritual power. If you visit Kashima Shrine, please visit us and receive the power and courage from the rough spirit of Takemikazuchi Ogami.

The power of God to calm key stones and earthquakes

Further deeper into the Okumiya, there is an approach path leading to the key stones. As you walk along the 100-meter approach, you will see a torii gate and a fence that worships the key stones. This area is one of the most pleasant places to relax even among Kashima Shrine, and it will refresh your body and mind.

It is said that the key stones are limited in Kashima City, and the reason why there is little damage even if they occur is because the gods of Kashima Shrine hold these key stones down.

One of the seven wonders of Kashima Shrine, the key stones that appear on the ground are small stones about 40 cm in diameter, but they are said to be part of a huge key stone. There were catfish underneath the keystone, and although catfish caused many earthquakes in this region, it is said that by holding them down with these keystones, the damage was reduced even if an earthquake occurred.

It was said that in the past, dragons and giant snakes held down key stones.

Tokugawa Mitsukuni, known as the Mito Komon, apparently dug back in order to find out the roots of this key stone, but even after digging it, it returned to its original state on the day it was finally here, and even after continuing for seven days it was unable to verify the roots of the stone, he was forced to suspend it.

Mitarai Pond - A mysterious woven by pure spring water

Returning to the Okumiya Shrine, go down the stairs to your left and you will find Mitarashi Pond. A day, 400,000 liters of water gush out in Mitarai Pond, and the water is said to soak up from the earth over a long period of time. It is clear enough to overlook the bottom of the water, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.

Daikanmisogi is held every January at Mitarai Pond. The white headbands and men wear loincloths, while the women wear white coats, sink themselves into this pond and perform a purification ritual. The purification ritual, performed in the extreme cold, is a sacred ritual that purifies the mind and body and to mark the beginning of a new year.

Summary: What Kashima Shrine gives you
Kashima Shrine is a shrine decorated with history and traditions, dedicated to Takemikazuchi Ogami, who is deeply involved in the mythology of Japan's founding. This sacred space gives visitors a sense of tranquility and peace, and lets them forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

By visiting Kashima Shrine, we will be able to experience the history and culture of Japan that has been around since ancient times, learn about the spirit of martial arts, and feel harmony with nature. He will also be given the powerful divine virtue of Takemikazuchi Omikami, and will be given the courage to overcome difficulties and take a new step.

Visiting Kashima Shrine as the first step to visiting the three shrines in the Eastern Provinces was an unforgettable experience for me. Through this trip, I was able to reaffirm the depths of Japanese shrines, and gain new discoveries and excitement. With hopes for the next visit to Katori Shrine and Ikusu Shrine, I left Kashima Shrine.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.