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Photo: Saigen Jiro, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kashima Jingū is an ancient Shinto shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, traditionally founded in 660 BC. Dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a deity associated with martial prowess and swordsmanship, it was historically patronised by warrior clans. The extensive grounds include a wooded approach, a main shrine complex, sacred ponds and a deer enclosure. The present buildings largely date from the early Edo period, when the shrine received support from the Tokugawa shogunate. Kashima Jingū is one of the major shrines of eastern Japan and is a short walk from Kashima-Jingū Station.
Kashima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kashima, Ibaraki in the northern Kantō region of Japan. It is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Ōkami (武甕槌大神), one of the patron deities of martial arts. Various dōjō of kenjutsu and kendō often display a hanging scroll emblazoned with the name "Takemikazuchi-no-Ōkami". Prior to World War II, the shrine was ranked as one of the three most important imperial shrines Jingū (神宮) in the Shinto hierarchy, along with Ise Grand Shrine and Katori Shrine. During the New Year period, from the first to the third of January, Kashima Shrine is visited by over 600,000 people from all over Japan. It is the second most visited shrine in Ibaraki prefecture for new year pilgrims.
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鹿島神宮
Kashima Jingū is an ancient Shinto shrine in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, traditionally founded in 660 BC. Dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a deity associated with martial prowess and swordsmanship, it has long been revered by Japan's warrior class. The extensive grounds include a wooded approach, historic shrine buildings, sacred Mitarashi Pond and a deer enclosure. The main buildings were reconstructed in 1619 under the Tokugawa shogunate. Kashima Jingū is one of the principal shrines of eastern Japan and is about a 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingū Station.
Backlot owned by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, used for the filming of their flagship Taiga dramas, which are annual year-long historical drama series that are broadcast every Sunday. Come here to see the outdoor sets depicting the Edo and Meiji periods.
竜神大吊橋
Ryūjin Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Ryūjin Gorge near Hitachiōta. At 375 metres long, it is one of Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridges, crossing the forested valley above Ryūjin Dam. The bridge offers views of the gorge and surrounding mountains, particularly colourful during the autumn foliage season. A bungee-jumping platform near the centre allows visitors to jump above the valley for an additional fee. The area is also popular in spring, when carp streamers are displayed for Children's Day.