Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine

Located in Kashima City in southeastern Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine is the ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Hitachi Province. It is said to have been founded in 660 BC, the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign. The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the deity of Japan's founding and martial arts. Since ancient times, it has been revered by the Imperial Court, the Fujiwara clan, warriors such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and master swordsmen such as Tsukahara Bokuden. Worshippers visit to pray for victory, progress in martial arts, protection from misfortune, and other blessings.

The shrine grounds cover an area equivalent to about 15 Tokyo Domes and lie within a solemn forest of cedar and Japanese chinquapin trees. Beyond the Great Torii Gate, a vermilion two-story gate donated by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, comes into view at the end of the approach. Passing through this magnificent 43-foot-high gate leads to the spacious shrine grounds, where the Worship Hall stands in front of the Main Sanctuary housing the enshrined deity. Behind them towers a sacred tree approximately 131 feet tall and estimated to be more than 1,300 years old. Continuing along the approach leads to the Inner Shrine, donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In Ofunatsu, about 1.6 miles west of Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, the Western Ichino Torii Gate stands in the waters of Lake Kitaura, part of Lake Kasumigaura. Since ancient times, this area was an important hub for water transportation, and many worshippers traveled to the shrine by boat. The landing and its torii gate appear in “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces” by Edo-period ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige.