Sushi Yuzen Saotome
1915-4 Tsuga, Kashima, Ibaraki 311-2205, Japan
Kashima Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
Kashima
About Kashima
19℃
19°Mostly cloudy
20° / 16°
- 10/24Tomorrow
Rain21° / 18° - 10/25SunCloudy24° / 19°
- 10/26MonRain21° / 18°
- 10/27TuePartly clear with showers22° / 15°
- 10/28Wed
Clear20° / 11° - 10/29ThuCloudy16° / 13°
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Must-try food in Kashima
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Kashima dishes and foodie spots.
Japanese cuisine
Asian cuisine
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Recent events and experiences in Kashima
Traveller photos and experiences
![[Ibaraki] New Year's Sunrise in Kamisu, Kashima Jingu & Ushiku Daibutsu. — traveler post in Kashima](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mi14224x9ayknyim91CE_C_480_270_R5.jpg_.avif?proc=source/trip)
[Ibaraki] New Year's Sunrise in Kamisu, Kashima Jingu & Ushiku Daibutsu.
2022.12.31–2023.1.1 We went to the coast of Kamisu City to see the first sunrise of the year. Kamisu City is located right next to Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture, which (excluding mountain peaks and remote islands) sees the earliest sunrise in Japan. This means you can see "almost" the earliest sunrise here. Watching the sun rise from the darkness was incredibly beautiful and divine. However, it is extremely cold, so winter gear is essential. Gloves and earmuffs are a good idea. Since it’s on the coast, there is a beach parking lot. Everyone arrives by car to see the sunrise, so the parking lot will fill up unless you leave early. My family left our hotel around 5:00 AM and arrived at the coast by 5:30 AM. I set up my time-lapse around 6:00 AM, and the sun rose just before 7:00 AM. The day before, we visited Kashima Jingu, Ikisu Shrine, and Katori Shrine. It was the end of the year during the pandemic, but there were still many people. For lunch, we had the eel at Asoya in Sawara, Katori City. The meat was fluffy and the outside was grilled to a perfect crisp. The sauce was on the sweet side. It was my first time performing the ritual of passing through the sacred ring at Kashima Jingu. The next day, we went to the Ushiku Daibutsu. It is so massive that it’s overwhelming. It’s a Great Buddha that you really should see in person at least once. Absolutely breathtaking.
A healing trip to Kashima Jingu after the rain
📍Kashima Jingu | A healing ancient shrine near Tokyo ⛩️ Visiting Kashima Jingu after the rain, I truly understood what a natural oxygen bar near the city really means. It is a renowned ancient shrine near Tokyo, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stepping into the grounds after a light rain, the moist air hits you, mixed with the unique, fresh scent of soil after the rain, combined with the faint aroma of raw wood from the ancient wooden buildings. It instantly calms you down, and even taking a deep breath feels incredibly healing 🌿. The entire shrine grounds are very spacious and uncrowded, making it a very pleasant place to stroll. You can also encounter deer strolling leisurely here 🦌. The deer move slowly through the forest, adding a touch of liveliness to the solemn and dignified shrine, and you might run into them unexpectedly while walking. Tall, ancient trees tower overhead with lush branches and leaves, and after being washed by the rain, the leaves are exceptionally bright green. Walking along the forest path, everything is quiet, with only the rustling sound of the wind in the leaves, temporarily isolating you from the noise of the city. Whether you are looking for a short day trip to relax, or want to visit an ancient shrine to experience the Japanese cultural atmosphere, this place is well worth a special visit. There is no excessive commercial noise, only the tranquility of the ancient shrine, forest, and nature blending together. 📍Address: 2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture 314-0031
![[Kashima, Ibaraki] Enjoy Summer at Hirai Beach! Safe for Families with On-Duty Lifeguards. — traveler post in Kashima](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mi2x224x9a2aeubiF695_C_480_270_R5.jpg_.avif?proc=source/trip)
[Kashima, Ibaraki] Enjoy Summer at Hirai Beach! Safe for Families with On-Duty Lifeguards.
Lifeguards are on duty, ensuring peace of mind for families. Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hirai Beach officially opens for the season around mid-July and features stationed lifeguards every year. The swimming and surfing areas are strictly separated, making it a safe and fun destination for those with young children. 🚗 Parking Parking requires a fee during the official beach season. In 2026, the rate was 800 yen per day for standard vehicles, with space for about 800 cars. Before the official opening, the beach is mainly used by surfers, so parking is rarely an issue. However, during weekends and holidays in the peak swimming season, the lot often fills up before noon. If you want to guarantee a parking spot, arriving early is highly recommended. 🏖️ The Vibe During Swimming Season On weekends and holidays, the beach is incredibly popular, with the area around the swimming zone completely filled with tents. If you want to secure a comfortable spot, we suggest getting there in the morning. 🏄♂️ Surfing Is Also Available During the swimming season, surfing is restricted to the no-swimming zone (as seen on the left side of the first photo). Because it is clearly separated from the swimming area, everyone can enjoy the water safely. 🛟 Friendly and Attentive Lifeguards When you arrive, the lifeguards kindly explain the day's designated swimming areas and wave conditions to each group. There is a large team keeping watch, and the lifeguard tower displays both the air and water temperatures, which adds a great sense of security. 🍜 Excellent Facilities · 2 beach houses (offering food, hot showers, and swim ring rentals) · Restrooms and free showers available · Trash cans are conveniently placed near the lifeguard tower, allowing you to dispose of your rubbish before heading home. With great facilities and options for both swimming and surfing, Hirai Beach is highly recommended for summer outings and scenic day trips! 🌊 Sightseeing
Fully satisfying in both portion and flavor! A popular cafe loved by locals.
Located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, "7 cheese" is well-known for being recommended by Kashima Antlers players, making it a highly popular spot loved by the community. This time, I ordered the "Pork Shabu-Shabu & Soft-Boiled Egg Mixed Rice". Despite coming in a very generous portion, it offers a great balance of pork shabu and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious meal from start to finish. The soft-boiled egg perfectly mellows out the overall flavors, and I simply couldn't stop eating. For dessert, I got their famous cheesecake to go. I bought two flavors—plain and sweet potato— and both were subtly sweet, with a rich, deep cheese flavor that tasted incredibly elegant. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients, making it a cheesecake you'll crave over and over again. Both the meals and sweets offer high satisfaction, making it easy to see exactly why it's so beloved by locals. It's a wonderful cafe. Whenever you visit Kashima, this is a highly recommended spot you absolutely must check out. 📍Hirai, Kashima City, Ibaraki 314-0012 1128-174 BLACKSMITH 1F 🕑9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
October 12 | Ibaraki · Kashima Fireworks Festival 10,000 Shots
This one is truly beautiful! 🥹 The 44th edition of the Kashima Fireworks Festival in Ibaraki, very close to the Tokyo metropolitan area, is about to take place✨ A romantic large-scale fireworks display by the sea—if you happen to be in Tokyo, don’t miss it! 👏🏻 ㅤ 🎆 Kashima City Fireworks Festival 🎇 📆 Date & Time: 2024.10.12 19:00-20:00 📍 Fireworks Venue: Ofunatsu area, over Kitaura Lake, 25-minute walk from JR Kashima Jingu Station ⭐️ Fireworks Scale: 10,000 shots 🔍 Highlights: 108 consecutive large fireworks✅ Torii gate and sea fireworks photo opportunities✅ ㅤ ✨ The Kashima City Fireworks Festival features a variety of spectacular fireworks including large shaku-dama shells, underwater star thunder, and ultra-large star thunder💫 This fireworks event is held on Kitaura Lake, part of Kasumigaura, and the reflection of the fireworks on the lake adds a special charm🩷 Another great advantage is that the fireworks are launched in an open area, making it easy to find good viewing spots🙌🏻 ㅤ 🔭 Viewing Locations: 1️⃣ Near the first Torii gate west of Kashima Jingu Shrine: Enjoy fireworks in the shrine’s atmosphere 2️⃣ Kashima Shiroyama Park: Located on a hill, a great spot to overlook the fireworks 3️⃣ Michi-no-Eki Itako: Fewer people on the Itako city side, so you can enjoy the fireworks leisurely 4️⃣ Kamei Hotel near Itako Lake (Shiratori no Sato): A quiet place where you can stay overnight and watch the fireworks 5️⃣ Opposite shore of Ofunatsu (Itako side): For those wanting to avoid crowds, this spot offers views of fireworks reflected on the lake ㅤ If you arrive early, remember to bring a mat to reserve your spot 💘 Also, take a stroll around Kashima Jingu Shrine~ There will be various “yatai” stalls on site where you can try traditional Japanese snacks and sweets 🍡🍢
Katori Jingu Shrine (Katori City).
Visiting **Katori Jingu Shrine** in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is the perfect way to experience the ancient majesty of the "Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Shimousa Province," a status it shares in renown with Kashima Jingu Shrine. Tucked away in a forest of towering, centuries-old trees, it serves as the head shrine for approximately 400 Katori shrines across Japan. Enshrining the martial deity Futsunushi-no-Kami, the grounds exude an aura that is both fiercely powerful and deeply serene. From an architectural perspective, the main hall features a rare "**black lacquer**" exterior adorned with brilliant gold leaf and vivid paintings. Set against a backdrop of deep green woods, this exquisite Edo-period design feels profoundly grounded and steeped in mystery. As you stroll along the gravel-paved approach lined with charming, rustic stone lanterns, the crisp air fills your lungs with the earthy, refreshing scent of the forest. Beyond the magnificent architecture, the shrine's "**Kaname-ishi**" (Keystone)—which conceptually mirrors the one at Kashima Jingu—is a major highlight. Legend says this stone pins down the giant catfish responsible for causing earthquakes, reflecting ancient people's deep reverence for nature. More than just a sacred spot to pray for victory and safe travels, this historic sanctuary is a spiritual oasis. Surrounded by ancient cedars, it’s the perfect place to escape the daily grind and find renewed inner peace and strength.
Overseas Travel - Japan Kashima: Kashima Shrine (Mitarai Pond)
Chapter 34: Kashima Shrine, Buta University. Ibaraki Prefecture is located northwest of Tokyo, with Mito City being the most famous area. Mito is home to the renowned offshore torii gate, Kamiso Torii, and one of Japan’s three great gardens, Kairakuen. However, this time I’m visiting Kashima Shrine, which has gone viral online because of a photo of the “Time-Space Gate Pond.” You can reach Kashima Shrine Station by JR from Tokyo, or take a bus from Yaesu Bus Terminal at Tokyo Station. Both transportation options accept IC cards. After getting off, it’s a 10-minute walk to the main torii gate. Kashima Shrine is the head shrine of Kashima Shrine, dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Ōkami (Takeru no Ikazuchi no Kami). Founded in the first year of the Imperial Era (660 BC), it is one of the famous three great shrines of the eastern provinces. The well-known Kasuga Taisha in Nara was originally a branch of Kashima Shrine. Legend has it that the deer from Kashima Shrine were sent as messengers to Kasuga Taisha, so the deer in Nara Park are descendants of Kashima Shrine’s sacred deer. The current deer at Kashima Shrine are descendants of those given by Kasuga Taisha, showing the deep connection between the two shrines. Passing through the huge torii gate of Kashima Shrine, you enter the inner approach path guarded by a sacred forest. This path is lined with towering native trees, creating a dense canopy that brings a sense of calm. To reach the inner sanctuary, you must walk through this forest. (Photos 3, 4) Mitarai Pond is located behind the inner sanctuary in Mitarai Park. The pond is shaded by large trees, and support frames are used to prevent the trees from crushing the torii gate inside the pond. The pond is remarkable because it has never dried up, even during droughts. A sign in front of the pond lists one of the seven wonders of Kashima Shrine’s Mitarai Pond: legend says that no matter if you are an adult or a child, the water in this pond never rises above the chest. Here, I encountered a “Japanese old master” whom I had never met despite many visits to Japan! I originally thought this activity wasn’t popular in Japan, but many elderly men with long cameras and equipment surrounded the pond. Luckily, I arrived early, took my photos, and quickly left. Actually, Kashima Shrine doesn’t have many major attractions, but the Mitarai Pond is very photogenic. I had planned to continue to Oarai Town, but the round trip would take too long, so I canceled it to allow time for shopping. For dinner, I returned to my favorite place for teriyaki pork rice bowls—Buta University. This restaurant has many branches, and I often visit the Shimbashi campus location. It was selected as one of Tokyo’s top ten authentic pork rice bowl spots. Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal without worrying about Tokyo’s high prices. Why is it called Buta University? Because the thick, juicy pork bowls at the Shimbashi location come in sizes “Small,” “Medium,” “Large,” and “Extra Large 1kg (Graduate Student).” The Jinbocho branch adds “Master’s 1.5kg” and “Doctorate 2kg.” If you successfully finish the Extra Large, Master’s, or Doctorate sizes, you receive a degree certificate as a graduation credential! (Photo 15)
Kashima Shrine: A famous power spot and photo spot
[Kashima Shrine] 📍Address: 2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture 《Access》 Approximately an 8-minute walk from the south exit of Kashima-Jingu Station Approximately a 9-minute walk from the exit of Kashima-Jingu Station Approximately a 45-minute walk from Exit 2 of Kashima Soccer Stadium Station ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ Visit the Three Eastern Shrines: Kashima Shrine, Katori Shrine, and Ikusu Shrine The vermilion-lacquered tower gate, said to be one of Japan's three greatest tower gates, is one of Japan's most beautiful. Several shrine buildings, including the vibrantly colored main hall, are designated Important Cultural Properties by the national government. The inner shrine was dedicated by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Beyond the Okumiya Shrine, the road splits into two, leading to two powerful power spots. One is the "Keystone," buried deep underground beneath Kashima Shrine, and in the event of a major earthquake, the other is the "Mitarai Pond," which has long been used as a place for purification rituals, from which 400,000 liters of pure water springs forth daily. The water in the pond is so clear you can see the bottom, and just watching the carp is enough to make you feel sacred. You can also draw water from the slope at the back. #KashimaShrine #PowerSpot #Ibaraki #Photography #PhotographySpot #TravelWithPochi
There really are deer! Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, one of the three most famous shrines in the East
#SeptemberDestinations2025 #IbarakiPrefecture #KashimaJingu #KashimaJingu #Deer Address: 2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture Access: JR Kashima Line - KashimaJingu Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk KashimaJingu Shrine is a historic shrine, founded in the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign. It enshrines Takekamozuchi-Okami, the god of martial arts and the founding deity of Japan. At the end of the approach to the shrine is a magnificent torii gate. A short walk through the gate leads to the shrine. KashimaJingu, one of the Three Great Shrines of Eastern Japan, serves as the head shrine for all KashimaJingu shrines nationwide. It is most famous for its main stone and Mitarashi Pond within the shrine. Since ancient times, it has been said that the main stone buried deep underground holds down the heads of catfish, preventing them from causing earthquakes. Tokugawa Mitsukuni of Mito once ordered an excavation to determine the depth of the stone. After seven days and nights of digging, they were unable to reach the bottom and were ultimately forced to abandon the excavation. Over 400,000 liters of water flow from the Mitarashi Pond daily. The water is crystal clear, and in the sunlight, it has a wonderful glass-like texture. There's a small snack shop next to the pond where you can relax and enjoy some tea. The envoys of Kashima Jingu Shrine are, of course, deer, and they actually have a herd of deer. You can buy carrots at the nearby shop to feed the deer. The deer approach the fence when they see people approaching. Perhaps because I visited in the morning, the deer looked quite hungry and were quite eager to grab food. If they couldn't grab any, they would use their horns to shake the fence. The oracle fortunes at Kashima Jingu Shrine are also, of course, in the shape of deer, making them perfect souvenirs. Besides the deer fortunes, there are also many amulets. Even the red seal book features deer and wisteria patterns. For those who love deer themes, it's incredibly popular and hard to come by without a single one.
North Chiba/Minamiibaraki Railway Tour
Traveling to Kitaboso and Minami-Ibaraki. Located in the crowded urban area of Tokyo, the Boso Peninsula, located east of the city, stands out from the rest of the metropolitan area, boasting numerous old streets and shrines. This area, generally considered part of Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, is also known as the Kitaboso region. Several major cities in the Kitaboso region are located within it: Sawara, Katori/Kashima, and Itako/Choshi. Another reason I chose to travel here is that for over a year, my phone wallpaper has been a picture of a torii gate in water, which is the wash basin at Kashima Jingu Shrine. The most striking characteristics of Sawara and Katori are that they were river towns during the Edo Period, and that they were located near shrines due to their significant religious beliefs. Similarly, Kashima and Itako are similar: both areas are a combination of a river town and a shrine town, fostering a mutually supportive relationship. Naturally, they belong to Chiba and Ibaraki, respectively, separated by the Tone River, a major Kanto river. Of these four locations, Kashima Jingu is undoubtedly the most famous: after all, it's the oldest shrine in the Kanto region. Only Ise Jingu, Katori Jingu, and Kashima Jingu have been called "jingu" since ancient Japan, demonstrating their rich history. The towering cedar forests and ancient trees on the grounds create a sense of tranquility and seclusion. Second place is Sawara, located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and water transport history, it's known as "Little Edo." We were also fortunate to encounter a float festival this time, making the town particularly lively and festive on the holiday. As for Katori Jingu, because Katori holds a higher status than Sawara in the prefecture system, Sawara is called the Katori City Sawara District. Katori Jingu, along with Kashima Jingu, is a traditional shrine in the Kanto region. The Omotesando area near Katori Jingu offers numerous cafes and Japanese teahouses for relaxation. In Katori and Sawara, those not driving can use a bus tour pass. These can be purchased at the station's tourist counter or at the hotel counter, and two trips will pay for themselves. The least popular destination is probably Itako, located between the two cities. Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture is known as "Water Village Itako" due to the eastward relocation of the Tone River waterway during the Edo period, which boosted cargo transportation. Mid-June is the peak bloom season for shoyu (water urns), and the "Water Village Itako Shoyu Festival" is held at this time. The shoyu garden here boasts 500 varieties and a million shoyu plants, which bloom together in early summer, ushering in the arrival of summer. Since I happened to visit in mid-June this time, I was able to witness the first bloom of the shoyu. Finally, I highly recommend the Route Inn in front of Sawara Station and the Kashima Toyoimaru Jingu branch. They offer excellent accommodations and fresh seafood. Route Inn is currently my top choice for value-for-money business hotels in Japan. #Kashima #Sawara #Katori #Itako #Boso Peninsula
What people are saying about Kashima
Kashima Jingu Shrine
It was very lively. It took about 10 minutes to walk to the shrine after getting off the JR station, and I met people participating in the festival on the way. The shrine is not very big. It is only a few steps from the entrance to the main hall for worship. There are some small sights as you walk deeper, such as fenced deer.
西等记忆Ibaraki Kashima Soccer Stadium
The home stadium of the Japanese J-League powerhouse Kashima Antlers. Only after visiting it can you realize how orderly and enthusiastic the atmosphere of the Japanese league stadium is.
Tony淇Tokyo Disneyland
My trip to Tokyo Disneyland was smooth, fun, and wonderfully easy from start to finish. I loved how simple everything was to navigate. Getting tickets online took only a few clicks, and the official park app made our entire day effortless. We could quickly check ride wait times, book priority passes, and order our meals ahead without waiting in long lines. The park layout is clear, clean, and full of helpful English signs, so we never got lost once. Every staff member was kind, friendly, and always ready to help. Visiting here was completely stress free, which let us relax and enjoy every single moment together.
mpulancoTokyo DisneySea
DisneySea was honestly so beautiful and magical 🥹💙 I found myself just stopping to admire the scenery because every corner was so pretty! The whole place has such a special atmosphere, and even just walking around and taking everything in was an experience in itself. So glad I got to visit — definitely worth it and an experience I’ll remember for a long time! ✨🌊
Anonymous userSuigo-Itako Iris Garden
Suigo Itako Iris Garden: Features a stunning display of irises during the blooming season.
_TS***t9Kashima FAQ
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