2025.04.12

The god of Hitachi Country, visiting the three shrines of Higashikoku, walking around Kashima / Sakado Shrine, Numao Shrine

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A landlocked country where gods have lived since ancient times and nurtured by abundant nature. There are many shrines in the area that gather the faith of the people and sit over time. On this trip, as part of our visit to the three shrines of Higashikoku, we will visit two ancient shrines connected to the depths of Kashima Jingu Shrine, Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine, and embark on a journey to experience the traces of ancient beliefs and profound spiritual powers.

Article Contents

Follow the traces of spiritual powers and ancient beliefs
- First destination, Kashima Jingu Shrine – Worship the Great God of Heaven in Kashima

Follow the traces of spiritual powers and ancient beliefs

The three shrines of Kashima Jingu Shrine, Sakado Shrine, and Numao Shrine were once called "the great gods of heaven in Kashima". Its origins can be traced back to the Hitachi Koku Fudoki. In the section on Kashima County in the Fudoki, it is written, "The three shrines of the great god of heaven that sits in that place, the shrine of Sakado, and the shrine of Numao, are collectively called the Great God of Heaven of Kashima. It is marked. From this description, it can be seen that the place name of Kajima was an important sacred place for ancient people, so much so that it was derived from these three shrines.

As time passed, and the Middle Ages and the early modern period changed, the relationship between the three companies gradually changed. However, even today, the Sakado Shrine and the Numao Shrine are located within the precincts of Kashima Jingu Shrine, giving us a glimpse of their historical connection.

On this trip, starting from Kashima Jingu Shrine, we will visit Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine, and trace the traces of ancient beliefs while experiencing the unique atmosphere and spiritual power of each shrine.

First destination, Kashima Jingu Shrine – Worship the Great God of Heaven in Kashima

First of all, we will visit Kashima Jingu Shrine, one of the three shrines in the eastern part of the country, which enshrines the warrior god Kyozu Lord Ōkami (Futsunushino Wolf). The vast precincts are full of attractions such as the main shrine, worship hall, Okumiya, Mitarai Pond, and deer garden.

After praying at the main shrine, take a walk around the precincts and head for the Haruka worship halls of Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine. The Haruka Shrine is located on the left after passing through the torii gate of Kashima Jingu Shrine, and stone monuments with the names of each shrine have been erected.

From the Haruka worship site, we think of the Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine far away, and pray for the divine virtues of each shrine. Through worship at the Haruka Shrine, we will reaffirm the connection between the three shrines that were once revered as the "Great God of Heaven of Kashima" and raise our expectations for the Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine that we will visit in the future.

Second destination, Sakado Shrine ~ A shrine of silence dedicated to the ancestor of the Nakatomi clan

About 10 minutes by car from Kashima Jingu Shrine. Sakado Shrine stands quietly in the midst of the countryside. It is located in a village of private houses, so it is a little difficult to understand, but it has a quiet air that is clearly different from the surroundings.

The deity of Sakado Shrine is Ame-no-Koyane no Mikoto. Tenjiro is the ancestor of the Nakatomi clan, who presided over the court rituals together with the Inbeshi clan, and is revered as the god of Shinto rituals and celebrations.

When you pass through the torii gate, you will be enveloped in an air that is completely different from the surroundings. It is as if a boundary is created by the trees, and the sacred space is spreading. The precincts are not large, but they are well-maintained and have a pure atmosphere.

Proceed to the main shrine and offer your daily gratitude to the life of Tenji Roof and pray for God's grace. At the back of the main shrine, a huge tree that seems to be a sacred tree towers over you, and its presence is overwhelming.

If you take a leisurely stroll around the precincts of Sakado Shrine, you can feel the strength of the spiritual power radiating around you. It reminds me of the history and depth of faith in this place, where many people would have visited in the past.

Third destination, Numao Shrine ~ A mysterious shrine that retains traces of ancient beliefs

It is about 10 minutes further by car from Sakado Shrine. As you drive between the houses, you will see a white sign that says, "This area is a sacred area." Using that sign as a landmark, head to Numao Shrine.

Numao Shrine is located in the historic site of Kashima Jingu Shrine and is tucked away in a dense forest. From the parking lot to the shrine, walk along a single path that seems to be an approach. The approach path with sunlight shining through the trees is like a portal to another world.

As you continue along the approach, you will eventually see a torii gate and a shrine. The deity of Numao Shrine is the chief god of Kyozu (Futsunushi no Kami). The main god of Kyozu is known as the god of war, and he is also the main deity of Kashima Jingu.

When you enter the precincts of Numao Shrine, you are in a different world. The green of the surrounding trees, the mossy stone steps, and the chirping of birds echoing in the silence. Your senses will be sharpened and you will feel a sense of unity with nature.

Numao Shrine is known as a place with very strong spiritual powers. There is a very dense air where you can feel the presence of not only gods but also various spirits, and it attracts visitors.

Proceed to the main shrine and offer your daily gratitude to the Lord of Kyozu and pray for the well-being of the nation. At the back of the main shrine, there is a huge stone that seems to be a band, and you can strongly feel the traces of ancient beliefs.

In the past, there was a Numao Pond (which was depleted in the Edo period) near Numao Shrine, and it is said that Numao Shrine enshrined this Numao Pond. In ancient times, the pond was a sacred body, and in the Hitachi Kokufudoki, there is a description of Numao Pond. "To the south of the shrine of the god of Kashima is the county, and to the north of the shrine is the pond of Numao. The elder said, '[This pond] is a swamp that flowed from heaven in the age of the gods."

When you take a leisurely stroll through the precincts of Numao Shrine, you will feel as if you are becoming one with this place. It is said that in the sanctuary, these sensations are awakened.

Summary: A trip around Kashima Shrine and two ancient shrines ~ Visiting the source of ancient beliefs and spiritual power

Starting from Kashima Shrine, the trip to Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine was a valuable experience that touched the traces of ancient beliefs and profound spiritual power.

At Sakado Shrine, I felt as if my heart was washed by the atmosphere of the shrine standing in silence and the divine virtue of the life of the Heavenly Child. At Numao Shrine, I was overwhelmed by the mysterious atmosphere that sits in the dense forest and the powerful spiritual power of the Lord of Kyozu, and I was able to feel a sense of unity with nature.

Through this trip, I was able to reaffirm the connection between the three shrines that were once revered as the "Great God of Heaven in Kashima" and experience the unique charm and spiritual power of each shrine.

When you visit Kashima Shrine, be sure to visit Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine as well. It is a special place where the gods descended from heaven in the era called Kashima in ancient times, and it is still full of strong spiritual power.

Travel tips

Access Kashima Jingu Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line. Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine are about 10 minutes by car from Kashima Shrine.

Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move around. In particular, Numao Shrine walks through the forest, so take good insect repellent measures.

What to bring, such as a red seal book, a camera, drinks, etc.

Precautions: ・Sakado Shrine and Numao Shrine are located near private houses, so be careful of noise and visit quietly.

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At the end of the journey

Through this trip, I felt the breath of the gods of Hitachi and my heart was enriched. A journey that traces the traces of ancient beliefs and touches the profound spiritual power gives us new discoveries and excitement. I would like to continue my spiritual journey while visiting shrines that exist in various parts of Japan and experiencing the history and culture of those places.

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