Is there an entrance fee to visit Kashima Shrine?

The shrine grounds are free to enter. The treasure house charges approximately 300 yen for admission to view historical artifacts including swords and armor.

What is the Kaname-ishi stone at Kashima Shrine?

The Kaname-ishi is a sacred keystone believed to suppress an underground catfish that causes earthquakes when disturbed. It represents the shrine's mythological role in protecting Japan from natural disasters.

When is the best time to visit Kashima Shrine?

The shrine is open year-round. September features annual festivals with traditional ceremonies. New Year period sees the largest crowds. Weekdays outside holidays offer quieter visits.

Can I see deer at Kashima Shrine?

Yes, Kashima Shrine has a deer park where visitors can interact with sacred deer. These deer are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, similar to the deer at Nara.

Is Kashima Shrine suitable for a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, the two-hour train journey from Tokyo Station makes it accessible for a day trip. Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds, treasure house, and deer park before returning.

Ibaraki

Kashima Shrine

4.5 (14265)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 6, 2026

Kashima Shrine stands as one of Japan's most ancient and revered Shinto shrines, located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Founded over 2,600 years ago, the shrine predates many of Japan's major historical periods and ranks among the country's oldest religious sites. It serves as the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima shrines scattered throughout Japan, establishing its position as a significant center of Shinto worship.

The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, the deity of thunder, swords, and martial arts. This powerful god plays a central role in Japanese mythology, known for pacifying the land of Japan and making it suitable for habitation. Warriors and martial artists have historically visited Kashima Shrine to pray for strength and victory, and the tradition continues today with practitioners of kendo, judo, and other martial arts making regular pilgrimages. The shrine's deep connection to martial tradition influenced many legendary swordsmen throughout Japanese history.

The shrine grounds cover an expansive forested area that creates a serene atmosphere distinct from urban shrine experiences. The main hall, rebuilt in 1619, showcases classical Japanese architectural design with vermillion lacquered wood. Visitors can explore the treasure house, which displays historical artifacts including ancient swords and armor. The grounds feature a sacred deer park where visitors can interact with deer considered messengers of the gods, similar to those at Nara. A notable feature is the Kaname-ishi (keystone), a rock believed to suppress earthquake-causing catfish according to Shinto mythology.

Kashima Shrine is accessible from Tokyo via the JR Kashima Line, with the journey taking approximately two hours from Tokyo Station to Kashima-jingu Station. The shrine sits about 10 minutes by foot from the station. Visitors can also reach the area via highway bus services. Admission to the shrine grounds is free, though the treasure house requires a small entrance fee of around 300 yen.

Hours

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 50-1724-5007

Website

kashimajingu.jp

Overview

Address

2306-1 Kyūchū, Kashima, Ibaraki 314-0031, Japan

Places & attractions near Kashima Shrine

Hitachi Kamine Park

Koga Kubo Park (Furukawa Comprehensive Park), Ibaraki

Bungy Japan Ryujin Bungy

Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History

Places & attractions near Kashima Shrine

Hitachi Kamine Park

Koga Kubo Park (Furukawa Comprehensive Park), Ibaraki

Bungy Japan Ryujin Bungy

Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Kashima Shrine, one of the three major shrines of the Tōgoku region, had a truly solemn and sacred atmosphere. Unfortunately, it was raining when we visited, and the paths were quite muddy, so I recommend going on a sunny day. I hope I’ll be blessed with good fortune!

Lil A

Oct 12, 2025

Kashima Shrine Kashima Shrine is a very old and important shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, a god believed to protect people and give strength. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful deep green forest with ancient, towering trees, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy walking among the giant trees and feel the spiritual and natural beauty of the shrine.

Really great and amazing shrine, even has a deer park. You can even feed the deer’s for 100 yen. At the bottom of the long walkway is a clear water pound and a cafe that has good food and drinks. You can even take the spring water home for a bottle fee.

I visited by bicycle. I remember it being quite difficult because I entered from the opposite side of the main gate and couldn't find a place to park my bike. The path to the inner shrine is surrounded by a dense forest, giving it a mysterious atmosphere. When I arrived at the inner shrine, it had a solemn yet very calm and peaceful feel. The strong atmosphere truly makes it deserving of its reputation as the most powerful spiritual spot in Kanto.

It's okay but I wouldn't go out if the way to visit. I found it unusual for the shrine to have a big Japanese flag at the main toori gate and a rock with the flag on it, too. It felt very nationalistic and odd for me. Nearby the flag stone the deer pen is located. You can buy food to feed them. Even in April the scent of deer and deer droppings was a bit unpleasant. The body of water and toori at the end of the shrine was interesting. The whole place is a power spot and you'll leave feeling quite refreshed.