Highlights

Holy Washing Pond / Mitarashi Ike

The Mitarashi Ike, or Holy Washing Pond, is a natural pond fed by underground spring water. In the past, worshippers would purify themselves in the pond before entering the shrine. Now, the shrine entrance has been moved and visitors use regular water to cleanse themselves. The Mitarashi Ike is now home to the shrine’s Koi fish, its crystal clear waters enabling visitors to see through to the bottom.

Saigen Jiro

Deer Park

Further into the shrine grounds, visitors can get up close and personal with the shrine’s deer. More of an enclosure than a park, visitors can feed the deer by buying carrots for 100 yen. Deer are said to be messengers of the gods, explaining their prevalence among shrines and temples in Japan. It is said that the famous deer in Nara were once from Kashima Shrine.

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Romon Gate

The Romon Gate in Kashima Shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Only three Romon Gates (Tower Gates) exist in the country, with the one at Kashima Shrine being 13-meters high. It was constructed in 1634 by Yorifusa Tokugawa; the first lord of the Mito Clan.

そらみみ

Access

A 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingu station. 2-hour bus ride from Tokyo Station Yaesu exit to Kashima Shrine via Keisei Bus.