2025.04.11

Gods of Shimoso Province (1) Visit to the Three Shrines of the Eastern Kingdom, Katori Jingu Shrine

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After leaving the Hakryu Shrine, we drove to Katori Shrine. After about 20 minutes of walking, you will feel the lush countryside flowing through the train window, refreshing your mind and body.

As one of the three shrines in the eastern part of the country, Katori Jingu Shrine has long been known as the center of worship in the Kanto region. The three shrines of Higashikoku refer to the three shrines of Kashima Shrine, Katori Shrine, and Susu Shrine, each of which is said to have powerful spiritual powers, and visiting these three shrines has attracted more and more attention in recent years as a journey to experience the spiritual energy of the Kanto region.

Article Contents

Katori Jingu Shrine – Pilgrimage to Chiba's Ancient Shrines and Spiritual Journey
- Katori Jingu Shrine - A sacred place that inherits ancient beliefs

Katori Jingu Shrine – Pilgrimage to Chiba's Ancient Shrines and Spiritual Journey

Katori Jingu Shrine is located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, and as the Ichinomiya Shrine of Shimosa no Kuni, it has continued to closely watch over the history and culture of this area. Shimokoku is the former name of the country, which covers the northern part of present-day Chiba Prefecture and the western part of Ibaraki Prefecture, and borders Hitachi Province on the north side. Since ancient times, this land has been blessed with abundant nature and has developed as an area where agriculture is thriving. Katori Jingu Shrine has been deeply rooted in the lives of local people as a god who gives, protects and guides people with its abundant blessings.

Katori Jingu Shrine - A sacred place that inherits ancient beliefs

(Katori 1697-1, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture)

When you step into Katori Jingu Shrine, the first thing that jumps out at you is the huge trees that are hundreds of years old that line the temple grounds. These trees have continued to watch over the history of the shrine over the years. It is truly a living witness to history, and it seems to speak quietly to us.

Shrine deity ・ Kyozu Lord Ōkami revered as a warrior god

The deity of Katori Jingu Shrine is the Lord of Kyozu. It is also known as Ihahi no Mikoto. Kyozu Lord Ōkami is a warrior god who appears in Japan mythology and is known as a god who contributed greatly to the pacification of the country. His brave and courageous appearance has long been revered mainly by the samurai class, and as a god of national protection, he was revered by the imperial family as the most revered.

As a testament to this, Katori Jingu Shrine, along with Ise Jingu and Kashima Jingu Shrine, is one of the few shrines that has held the title of "Jingu" since before the Meiji era. This title shows the deep connection with the Imperial Family and shows that Katori Jingu has been treated as a special person.

Since the Middle Ages, it has attracted the faith of the people of the region as a palace of Shimoso Province, and in the corporate classification system after the Meiji era, it has been listed as a government money shrine, showing its high prestige. In the 17th year of the Showa era, it was established by the Imperial Shrine, and to this day, it continues to receive special divine will from the Imperial Family.

Starting with the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara and the Ogama Shrine in Miyagi, there are shrines dedicated to Katori Ōkami all over the country, and the spread of their reverence shows how the Lord of Kyozu has gathered the faith of many people.

Sando ・ The atmosphere and power of a Japan garden

The approach to Katori Shrine is wide and paved with cobblestones. Many stone lanterns are lined up on both sides, creating an atmosphere like a Japan garden. The gentle light of the stone lanterns gently illuminates the hearts of those who walk along the path and invites them to a sacred space.

As you progress along the path, the surrounding trees grow deeper and the air becomes cooler and clearer. You can hear the birds chirping, the wind swaying the trees, and the whispers of the gods.

At the end of the approach, you can see the beautiful vermilion-painted main gate. The main gate is the gate that guards the entrance to the shrine, indicating that from here onwards it is a sacred realm. Its vivid vermilion color attracts the hearts of visitors and raises their sense of anticipation.

Main Gate - Entrance to the Sacred Space

When you pass through the main gate, you will see an even more majestic tower gate in front of you.

Loumon - Symbol of Katori Jingu Shrine, which is designated as an important cultural property of Japan

The tower gate has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan and has become a symbol of Katori Jingu Shrine. Its beautiful appearance fascinates visitors and is loved by many people as a memorable landscape.

Like the main shrine, it was built by the Edo shogunate in the 13th year of Genroku (1700), and the best of the architectural techniques of the time are gathered. It is a three-room house, style-wise, built in a pure Japanese style, and painted with tan. Its vivid vermilion color creates a contrast with the surrounding greenery, further accentuating its beauty.

The roof is made of copper plate thatched with purlins, but it was originally thatched. After many years, the roof has been replaced, but its beautiful appearance retains a strong remnant of the time when it was built.

Inside the gate, there is a statue of the deceased. The statue is a statue that plays the role of protecting the gods, and its expression is solemn, powerful, and sacred.

It is commonly referred to as the left minister and the right minister, but it is said that the statue of the old man on the right is "Takeuchi Shukuya" and the middle-aged statue on the left is "Fujiwara Kamashi". Takeuchi Shukujo is a legendary figure in ancient Japan, and Fujiwara no Kamatashi is known as the person who led the renewal of Daika as a politician in the Asuka period. The fact that these figures are enshrined as attendants shows that Katori Jingu has been deeply involved with the history of Japan.

In addition, the plaque on the tower is by the brush of "Heihachiro Togo". Heihachiro Togo was a naval officer of the Meiji era who led the Battle of the Sea of Japan to victory in the Russo-Japanese War and is known as a national hero. The brush frame adds a new color to the history of Katori Jingu.

Komainu ・ A majestic figure that protects the shrine

When you pass through the tower gate, you will see a beautiful black worship hall with a majestic appearance. Its appearance overwhelms and inspires awe in those who visit.

Worship hall ・ Majestic architecture of a nationally registered tangible cultural property

The worship hall is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and its architectural style is a collection of the best architectural techniques of the time. Based on black lacquer, the braiding is decorated with extremely colorful colors, and it is gorgeous and has a profound feeling.

In Shintoism, black is considered a high-ranking color and is used as a sacred color. It can be said that the black worship hall symbolizes the high prestige of Katori Jingu. The color of the evil (unauspicious) is dull (nibuiro, light ink, gray) and is treated in contrast to black.

Inside the worship hall, the Japanese soul of the Lord of Kyozu is enshrined. The Harmony Soul refers to the gentle side of God and is said to give grace and comfort to people.

A space filled with sacred aether

When you step into the worship hall, you will be filled with sacred aether. It is a very refreshing feeling, as if a pure breeze blows and washes away impurities.

We put our hands together in front of the worship hall, express our daily gratitude, and pray quietly. Then, you will feel a cleansing and pure feeling, and you will feel a new strength welling up.

The main shrine at the back was built by the 5th shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Tokugawa Tsunayoshi was a shogun who laid the foundation for the Edo shogunate and is also known for his encouragement of culture and art. The main shrine, built by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, is a collection of the architectural techniques of the time, and its beauty continues to fascinate visitors.

Further along the old approach, there is an inner shrine.

Okumiya – A mysterious space where the desolate soul rests

When you come to this area, the air changes drastically. It enshrines the desolate soul of the Lord of Kyozu. The wild soul refers to the wild side of God, which is said to give the power to ward off evil and overcome difficulties.

Unlike the worship hall, the Okumiya is a mysterious space surrounded by silence. The trees are dense and green, blocking the sun's rays, creating a dim, cool air.

It radiates a strong spiritual power, which will give courage and hope to those who visit, and give them the strength to overcome difficulties.

If you visit both the worship hall and the inner shrine, you can be sure that your luck will turn around. When you visit Katori Jingu Shrine, be sure to visit both the worship hall and the Okumiya shrine and experience its spiritual power.

Katori Jingu is a shrine that has been worshipped and loved by many people from ancient times to the present day. Its history and culture, as well as its sacred aether, fascinate visitors and give them peace of mind and power. Please visit Katori Jingu Shrine once and experience its charm. It's going to be a great experience.

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