Kashima Jingu Nishi Ichino Torii
The Kashima Jingu Nishi Ichino Torii stands as the western first torii gate of Kashima Jingu, one of Japan's most ancient and revered Shinto shrines located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This monumental gate marks the traditional approach to the shrine from the western direction, serving as a sacred threshold between the mundane world and the divine realm of the Kashima deity, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the god of thunder and swordsmanship.
Kashima Jingu itself dates back over 2,600 years and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest shrines in Japan's Kanto region. The shrine has historically been venerated by warriors and imperial families, with deep connections to martial arts and national protection. The western torii gate represents one of several entrances to the expansive shrine grounds, which encompass over 70 hectares of sacred forest. This particular gate traditionally served pilgrims arriving from the direction of Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
The torii gate provides an atmospheric entry point to explore the shrine's spiritual landscape. Visitors walking through this gate experience the transition into the shrine's tranquil forest setting, where ancient cedar trees create a serene canopy. The path from the western torii leads to the main shrine buildings, treasure hall, and the sacred Mitarashi Pond, where water is believed to maintain a constant depth regardless of conditions. The shrine grounds also house the Oku-miya (inner shrine) and the famous Yōkō-den, a hall displaying historic swords and armor.
Kashima Jingu is accessible from Kashima-jingū Station on the JR Kashima Line, approximately 10 minutes on foot from the station to the main shrine area. From Tokyo, the journey takes roughly 2 hours via the JR Narita Line and Kashima Line, with transfers typically at Narita or Sawara stations. The shrine grounds are open year-round with no admission fee.
