鹿島神宮ーKashima Jingu Shrine ―Visit a venerable shrine and think about the deities peculiar to Japan(December 26, 2021-No.36）
鹿島神宮ーKashima Jingu Shrine ―Visit a venerable shrine and think about the deities peculiar to Japan(December 26, 2021-No.36）
Kashima Jingu Shrine is a shrine located in Kyuchu, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture（茨城県鹿嶋市宮中）.
It is a historical shrine that is said to have been built in the first year of Emperor Jimmu (660 BC 神武天皇), with "Takemikazuchi Ogami"（武甕槌大神）, the deity of martial arts, who was active in the founding of Japan.
The achievements of this god are described in the oldest history book in Japan, Kojiki (712 古事記), and the oldest official history book, Nihon Shoki (720 日本書紀).
Kashima Jingu Shrine has a precinct that is as large as 15 Tokyo Domes, and there are many attractions such as Mitarai Pond（御手洗池）, where Misogi（禊 a purification ceremony of Shinto style）is performed with clear spring water, and a deer garden（鹿園） where many deer play.
The forest in Kashima Jingu Shrine is a natural monument designated by Ibaraki Prefecture. The vast forest is overgrown with giant trees of castanopsis, tabs and fir（シイ・タブ・モミ）as well as cedar, and there are more than 600 species. It is also a big feature that the plants of the southern limit and the northern limit of growth are mixed.
By the way, what is the difference between Jinja and Jingu?
In the first place, a shrine is a ritual facility based on the belief in Shinto, a religion peculiar to Japan. Ubusunagami（guardian deity of one's birthplace 産土神）, Tenjin Chigi（deities of heaven and earth 天神地祇）, the ancestral deities of the imperial family and clans, and spirits such as great men and righteous men are enshrined as deities. According to the materials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, there are about 85,000 shrines all over Japan.
A shrine where this deity is the ancestor of the imperial family or has a close relationship with the imperial family is called "Jingu".
In "Nihon Shoki" (completed in 720 日本書紀), only Ise Jingu, Isonokami Jingu (Tenri City, Nara Prefecture 石上神宮), and Izumo Daijingu (referring to Izumo Taisha) were described as "Jingu". After that, in the "Engi-shiki jinmyoucho" (927 延喜式神名帳 えんぎしき じんみょうちょう), which was established in the Heian period, Ojingu (Ise Jingu Naiku), Kashima Jingu（鹿島神宮）, and Katori Jingu（香取神宮） are described as "Jingu".
In the place called a shrine, not only the deities of Shinto, which is a religion peculiar to Japan, but also a great variety of gods such as ancestors, the ancestors of the emperor, and grudges（怨霊）are enshrined. In addition, since the shrine also serves as a place to convey daily gratitude and wishes to God, many people visit it for various prayers, first visits, and weddings throughout the year. Surrounded by a lot of nature and trees, the shrine also has an aspect as a healing and power spot. It's a spot that anyone can easily visit, so why not try touching the connection between the shrine and Japanese culture in a nearby location?
In front of Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line
Otorii（The Main Gate 大鳥居）
Romon（Tower Gate 楼門）
The vast forest is overgrown with giant trees
a deer garden（鹿園）
"Takemikazuchi Ogami"（武甕槌大神）
Mitarai Pond（御手洗池）
