Kashima Jingu

Kashima Jingu is renowned as one of the Three Great Shrines of the Eastern Region and is one of Japan's most distinguished ancient shrines. It is said to have been founded in the first year of Emperor Jinmu's reign and enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Ookami, the supreme deity of martial arts. Particularly famous is the "Kanameiishi" (Keystone), said to suppress the head of a giant catfish deep underground, thereby pacifying earthquakes. The shrine is filled with countless treasures from ancient times, including a sacred tree over 1,300 years old and the "Shinko-sai" festival commemorating the deity's move to Kasuga Shrine. As the deity of martial arts and victory, it is visited by people from throughout the nation, truly serving as the spiritual center of the Eastern Region.