Visiting the Three Shrines of Hitachi Province, Eastern Province, and Walking for Kashima / Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine

Tracing traces of spiritual power and ancient faith

Hitachi Province has been nurtured by rich nature since ancient times by gods. There are many shrines in this area that gather people's faith and lie beyond eternal time. On this trip, as part of the visit to the Three Eastern Shrines, visit two ancient shrines, Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine, which connect deep into Kashima Shrine, and head out on a journey where you can experience traces of ancient beliefs and deep spiritual power.

There are three shrines, Kashima Shrine, Sakado Shrine, and Numao Shrine, once known as the "Omago of the Heavenly God of Kashima." Its origins date back to the Hitachi Kunifudoki. The section on Kashima County in the Fudoki states, "The three shrines, the heavenly Oomi Shrine, Sakado Shrine, and Numao Shrine, are combined to be called the heavenly Oomi Shrine of Kashima (Kashima no Candy Wolf). (Because of this god's coming), it was called the group.'' This description shows that the place name of Kajima was so important that it was an important sacred place for the ancient people, so much so that it came from these three shrines.

Time passed, and as times changed from the Middle Ages and early modern times, the relationship between the three companies gradually changed. However, even today, the far-reaching place of Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine is still located within the grounds of Kashima Shrine, giving you a glimpse into the historical connections.

On this trip, starting from Kashima Shrine, we tour Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine, experiencing the unique atmosphere and spiritual power of each shrine, and trace traces of ancient faith.

Our first destination: Kashima Shrine – worship the heavenly god of Kashima

First, we will visit Kashima Shrine, one of the three Eastern shrines, enshrined in the martial arts and the utmost wolf. The vast grounds are full of attractions, including the main shrine, worship hall, the Okumiya Shrine, Mitarai Pond, and the deer garden.

After visiting the main shrine, we walk around the grounds and head to the far worship spaces of Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine. The far worship location is located on the left after passing through the torii gate at Kashima Shrine, and a stone monument with the names of each shrine is erected.

From the far shrine, we think about Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine far away, and pray for the divine virtues of each shrine. Through visiting a remote worship location, we will reaffirm the connection between the three shrines, once worshipped as the "Great God of the Heavenly God of Kashima," and raise our expectations for the upcoming Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine.

Second destination: Sakado Shrine - A quiet shrine dedicated to the ancestor of the Nakatomi clan

It is about a 10-minute drive from Kashima Shrine. Sakado Shrine is quietly standing in the midst of a rural landscape. It is located in a private village, so it is a little difficult to understand, but it has a tranquil atmosphere that is clearly different from the surrounding area.

The enshrined deity of Sakado Shrine is Amenokoyane no Mikoto. Tenkoyane no Mikoto is the ancestor of the Nakatomi clan, who together with the Ibe clan, governed the rituals of the Imperial Palace, and is worshiped as the god who controls rituals and prayers.

Once you pass through the torii gate, you will be enveloped in a completely different atmosphere than the surrounding area. A sacred space lies as if a barrier was created by trees. The grounds are by no means large, but they are well maintained and have a pure atmosphere.

We proceed to the main shrine and offer our daily gratitude to Tengoneen Michi, and pray for our thanks to God. Behind the main shrine, a giant tree that appears to be a sacred tree towers over there, and you will be overwhelmed by its presence.

If you take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of Sakado Shrine, you will be able to feel the strength of the spiritual power released from the surrounding area. I am reminded of the history and depth of faith of this place, which many people would have visited to visit in the past.

The third destination, Numao Shrine - A mysterious shrine that retains traces of ancient beliefs

It is about a 10-minute drive from Sakado Shrine. As you run between the private houses, you will see a white sign saying, "This area is a sacred area." With the sign as a marker, head to Numao Shrine.

Numao Shrine is located on the ruins of the Affinated County House, located within the grounds of Kashima Shrine, and is hidden in the thick forest. From the parking lot to the shrine, you will walk along a single path, which is thought to be the approaching path. The approach, with sunlight filtering through the trees, is like the entrance to another world.

As you follow the approach, you will soon see the torii gate and shrine. The deity enshrined at Numao Shrine is Tsunetsu Shu Ogami. Tsuyoshi Ogami is known as the war god and is also the main deity of Kashima Shrine.

Once you enter the grounds of Numao Shrine, you will find yourself in a completely different world. The greenery of the trees covering the surrounding area, mossy stone steps, and birds chirping reverberating in the silence. Your five senses are sharpened and you can feel a sense of unity with nature.

Numao Shrine is known as a place with extremely strong spiritual power. There is a very dense atmosphere that allows you to feel the presence of not only God but also various spirits, and it captivates visitors.

We proceed to the main shrine and offer our daily gratitude to Tsuyoshi Ogami and pray for the peace of the nation. Behind the main shrine is a megalith that appears to be a rock-soled quarters, giving a strong impression of the ancient faith.

In the past, Numao Pond (which was depleted during the Edo period) was located near Numao Shrine, and Numao Shrine enshrined this Numao Pond. In the past, ponds were sacred objects, and the Hitachi Kunifudoki still contains a description of Numao Pond. "To the south of the shrine of the god of Kojima is the town gallery. Also, to the north of the shrine is the Numao Pond. The old man says, "This pond is a water swamp that flowed from heaven during the gods."

As you take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of Numao Shrine, you will feel as if you are united with this place. It is said that this kind of sensation is awakened in divine areas.

Summary: A journey through Kashima Shrine and two ancient shrines - Visiting the source of ancient faith and spiritual power

Starting from Kashima Shrine, our journey around Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine was a valuable experience, experiencing traces of ancient beliefs and profound spiritual power.

At Sakado Shrine, I felt a sense of being washed by the atmosphere of the shrine standing in silence and the divine virtue of Tenkoyen no Mikoto. At Numao Shrine, I was overwhelmed by the mysterious atmosphere enshrined in a thick forest and the powerful spiritual power of Tsunezu Omikami, and I was able to feel a sense of unity with nature.

Through this trip, I was able to rediscover the connections between the three shrines, once worshipped as the "Great God of the Heavenly God of Kajima," and experience the unique charm and spiritual power that each shrine possesses.

When visiting Kashima Shrine, be sure to visit Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine. This is a special place where God descended from heaven in the time when it was once known as Kajima, and is still full of strong spiritual power.

Travel tips

Access: Kashima Jingu Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line. Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine are about a 10-minute drive from Kashima Shrine.

Dressed in easy-to-moving clothing and shoes. Numao Shrine in particular is a place where you walk through the forest, so you need to take thorough measures to prevent insects.

Things to bring, goshuin books, cameras, drinks, etc.

Notes: Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine are located near private homes, so be careful of noise and visit the shrine quietly.

Brown

Donbei

At the end of the journey

Through this trip, I felt the breath of the gods of Hitachi and my heart was enriched. Our journey, which involves traces of ancient faith and experiencing deep spiritual power, brings new discoveries and inspiration to us. From now on, I would like to continue my passionate journey by visiting shrines that exist in various parts of Japan and experiencing the history and culture of the area.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

Contact

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.