Trip Photo: Kashima Jingu (July, 2023)

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This post is based on photos I took in 2023.

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In July 2023, I visited Kashima Jingu in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Kashima Jingu: https://kashimajingu.jp/

Kashima Jingu is known as one of Japan’s oldest shrines. It enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami (Wikipedia), a deity associated with martial strength.

I drove there, and the area near the entrance felt a bit tense with people trying hard to guide cars into their parking lots. There is an official parking lot closer to the torii gate (further in), so I parked there and visited the shrine from that side.

The area near the entrance had a typical touristy vibe, but once inside the grounds it became quiet. The inner approach leading toward the Okumiya (Inner Shrine) is surrounded by tall trees and feels like a world apart.

On the way along the Okusando, there is a sazare-ishi. You might recognize the term from Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo”; it literally means “small stones”. Since it connects to both the anthem and religious context, if you’re curious, take a look at Wikipedia (Japanese only).

Deeper inside, there is Mitarai Pond, fed by spring water. It’s calm and understated in person, but it turns into a great photo spot when you bump up the saturation a little.