浮島神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ukishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kashima, built on a small island surrounded by a large pond that gives the impression the buildings float on water. The main hall stands at the water's edge, and the island is reached by a path that crosses the pond.
The shrine was founded roughly 1000 years ago, after a local landowner reportedly dreamed of a deity telling him to dig at a certain spot. The digging uncovered a spring that filled the land with water, creating the pond that still defines the site today.
The shrine is dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple said to have performed Japan's first wedding. Visitors come to pray for relationships and marriage, making this a place people associate with new beginnings in family life.
The shrine is easy to reach by car, and a large parking area is available on site for visitors. The paths around the pond can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear makes the walk more comfortable.
A large golden stone called Kabuto-ishi is said to lie beneath the pond, hidden from sight since the shrine was first established. No one knows its exact position under the water, and it has never been seen since the founding legend began.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
