Kashima Jingu Shrine: Spiritual Power, Victory Blessings & the Sacred Origin of Japan’s Ley Lines

Kashima Jingu Shrine: Spiritual Power, Victory Blessings & the Sacred Origin of Japan’s Ley Lines

Kashima Jingu Shrine is said to have been founded in the very first year of Emperor Jimmu’s reign—660 BCE—according to ancient records.

Until modern times, only three shrines in Japan held the prestigious title of “Jingu”: Ise Jingu, Katori Jingu, and Kashima Jingu, making this shrine truly exceptional in terms of history and spiritual significance.

It is the head shrine of over 600 Kashima Shrines across Japan.
The custom of praying for a safe journey at the start of a trip—known as *Kashima-dachi*—originated here.

The shrine forest, known as the “Kashima Jingu Juso,” is a designated natural monument of Ibaraki Prefecture. Covering 210,000 tsubo (about 700,000 square meters), it is home to more than 800 species of plants.

What Are the Blessings of Kashima Jingu?

So what kind of blessings can you expect from such a storied shrine?

Kashima Jingu enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, a warrior deity who negotiated the peaceful transfer of land during the mythological founding of Japan.

Worshippers seek blessings for victory, decisiveness, courage, leadership, and success in love—especially in overcoming hesitation, defeating obstacles, and making bold new beginnings.

Is Kashima Jingu a Spiritual Power Spot?

Have you heard of *ley lines*?

A “ley line” refers to a theory that many ancient monuments and sacred sites around the world were aligned in straight lines. These lines are said to channel Earth's energy—often called *dragon veins* or *chi paths*.

Kashima Jingu is located at the starting point of Japan’s most famous ley line, which connects the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Mount Fuji, Ise Shrine, Mount Tsurugi, and Takachiho Shrine.

Because of its role as the "beginning of all things," the shrine is especially powerful for those starting new journeys—like launching a business, moving, or making life-changing decisions.

Even Tokyo Skytree is said to have been built along this ley line!

Highlights of Kashima Jingu

Mitarai Pond

This sacred pond has long been used by shrine priests and worshippers for ritual purification.
Even today, the *Daikan Misogi* (cold-water purification ritual) is performed here around late January.

Over 400,000 liters of fresh spring water flow daily, and the water remains crystal clear year-round.
Visitors are welcome to take some home as sacred water.

Deer Garden

Walk down the rear path of the shrine to find the Deer Garden.
The deer here are regarded as messengers of the gods—*Shinroku*—and are cared for with great reverence.

According to legend, when Takemikazuchi-no-Okami was enshrined at Kasuga Taisha in Nara, he rode there on the back of a white deer from Kashima.
This is why it’s said that the deer of Nara are descended from those of Kashima.