東国水郷 TOGOKU SUIGO

Togokusansha

Let's visit some of Japan's foremost power spots, Togokusansha (three shrines in the eastern part of Japan)

Togokusansha
According to the legend of Izumo and the inheritance of the country, the deities of Kashima Jingu Shrine and Katori Jingu Shrine helped restore law and order in Japan and were guided to Togoku (the east) by the deity of Ikisu Shrine. In the Edo period, pilgrimages to temples and shrines by common people became popular, and the pilgrimage to these shrines flourished due to the existence of Kinoshita-chabune boats, which carried worshippers back and forth along the Tone River. After going to Ise Grand Shrine, it was also popular for those who returned to Tohoku by boat to take part in what is referred to as "Shimo-sangu" (lower pilgrimage), where they visited the three shrines in the eastern part of the country (Togokusansha-moude).

A shrine with a 2,600-year-old history, enveloped by a forest of natural monuments / Kashima Jingu Shrine (Kashima City)

A shrine which is said to have been constructed in the year of Emperor Jimmu's accession to the throne. The stunning main shrine, dedicated by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1619, was built by the same carpenter as the Toshogu Shrine.
After visiting the shrine make sure to check out the back entrance which is rich in nature as well. At the back of this path are the Mitarashi Pond and a place of misogi (purification) which have been around since ancient times.

●Information

Tel 0299-82-1209
Address 1, 2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima City
Hours Free to visit (conferment place and goshuin red ink stamp service from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Parking Available
Access 10 min. walk from JR Kashima Jingu Station
Website https://kashimajingu.jp/

An imperial shrine with an elegant shrine pavilion painted in rich colors / Katori Jingu Shrine (Katori City)

It is the head shrine of all Katori Shrines and was founded in the 18th year of Emperor Jinmu's reign. The main hall, with its large cypress bark thatched roof, is rich in color and designed in a Momoyama style with black lacquer as a base color, making it a shrine fit for a God of martial arts. It is designated as an important cultural property along with the Romon Gate built by the Tokugawa Shogunate.

●Information

Tel 0478-57-3211
Address 1697-1, Katori, Katori City
Hours Free to visit (conferment place and goshuin red ink stamp service from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Parking Available at Sawara Station / Available a (9) min. walk from Sawara Station
Access 10 min. drive from Sawara Station
Website https://katori-jingu.or.jp/

An ancient shrine renowned for its two legendary wells / Ikisu Shrine (Kamisu City)

The shrine is said to have been moved to its present location in 807. The two wells on either side of the first torii gate are called "oshioi", because they pushed aside seawater and produced fresh water. These wells are one of the three sacred springs in Japan and there are also rare trees on the shrine grounds, such as the Ogatama tree and the Gyoikou tree.

●Information

Tel 0299-92-2300
Address 2882, Ikisu, Kamisu City
Hours Free to visit (shrine office open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., goshuin red ink stamp service from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Parking Available
Access 20 min. by car from JR Itako Station
Website https://ikisujinja.com/