鹿島神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kashima Shrine is a small Shinto shrine located in the Kōnan ward of Yokohama, set in a quiet area surrounded by trees and greenery. The grounds feature a simple gate, several small structures, and a peaceful courtyard where the sound of birds and scent of fresh wood greet visitors.
The shrine traces its origins to the Kamakura period, with records reaching back to the Kenkyū era, establishing it as an important sacred place for centuries. During the Meiji era it gained official recognition as a village shrine, and several nearby smaller temples were merged into it.
The shrine is dedicated to the deity Takemikazuchi, traditionally invoked for protection and success in endeavors. You can observe locals visiting regularly to pray and participate in seasonal festivals like Setsubun and Reitai-sai, showing how these traditions remain woven into daily life.
The shrine is accessible on foot in about ten minutes from Kamiōoka Station, and bus service provides an alternative with stops near the grounds. Visitors should expect quiet conditions and will have the best experience during morning or afternoon hours when crowds are thinnest.
The shrine hosts the annual Donto-yaki ritual on January 12, where old talismans and decorations are burned in a large fire as an act of purification and renewal that locals deeply value. The late August Reitai-sai festival with music, dance, and evening Yoi-matsuri gatherings reveals a side of the shrine that hurried tourists often overlook.
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