Kashima Jinja Shrine

A guardian deity of certain victory

Founded in 845, Kashima Jinja Shrine in Mashiko Town has long been a spiritual center of worship. The enshrined deity is Takemikazuchi-no-kami, the god of war in Japanese mythology, symbolizing victory and courage. Students, athletes, and business leaders from across Japan visit the shrine to pray for success, with the phrase “victory is certain” closely tied to its faith.

The current main hall was rebuilt in 1927, and the grounds are surrounded by ancient trees that create a solemn atmosphere. Every summer, the shrine hosts a grand annual festival, which includes one of the Three Great Rare Festivals of Eastern Japan, the Mikeshaku Choudai-shiki. In this ritual, young men from the district of Mashiko Town whose turn it is for that year must join together to drink 6.5 liters of heated sake, praying for peace, health, and good fortune.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	1685-1 Mashiko Town, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
Telephone Number	0285-72-6221
Website	http://www.kashimajinja.com/
Business Hours	Shrine office: 8:30–16:30
Days Closed for Business	Open year-round
DIRECTIONS	・10 minutes on foot from Mashiko Station on the Moka Railway ・About 70 minutes by bus from JR Utsunomiya Station to “Kashima Jinja-mae” bus stop ・About 2 hours 30 minutes by Kanto Yakimono-go highway bus from Tokyo Akihabara to Mashiko Station, then 10 minutes on foot
Map Code	39 176 233*35

Eastern Area

The eastern area is famous for its abundant flowers and traditional Mashiko pottery. Seasonal charms welcome tourists throughout the year with flowers such as cherry blossoms and wisterias in spring and some of the nation’s most beautiful autumn foliage.