Kashima Shrine, Sacred Shinto shrine in Kashima, Japan
Kashima Shrine is a major religious site in Kashima, Japan, counting among the oldest such places in the country. The main hall shows the nagare-zukuri style with extended roof eaves and a central area for prayers surrounded by tall cedars.
The founding took place in ancient times when imperial envoys held ceremonies here to ensure the safety of the realm. Over the centuries, this place received numerous imperial visits and remained one of the three most important shrines with direct court connections until 1945.
The deity worshiped here protects warriors and draws people training in traditional martial arts. This place keeps close connections with sword schools that have practiced drills and rituals near its grounds for centuries.
The site sits in Ibaraki Prefecture and draws over 600,000 visitors during the first three days of January for New Year ceremonies. Pathways lead through several gate arches to different buildings, each offering quiet spaces for prayer.
A large stone called Kaname-ishi stands on the grounds and is believed by mythology to hold down a giant catfish at the sea floor. This catfish is thought to cause earthquakes when it moves, and the stone prevents its motion.
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