Katori Jingu: Goshuin and Visitor Guide

Previous visit records and photos (posted in 2014)

The following account preserves the original visit experience and historical introduction. The photographs and encounters at the counter date from that publication; they do not describe a new visit. Old access instructions have been replaced by the checked information above. Historical accounts and spiritual benefits are presented as traditions and beliefs.

Surrounded by a forest with many old cedar trees, it is one of the best power spots in the southern part of the prefecture, along with Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki.
Famous as the god of negotiations, it is widely believed to improve luck in work, improve human relationships, promote national security, and promote sports.

Katori Jingu

Enshrined deities

Futsunushi no Okami
(Name: Ihahinushi no Mikoto)

History and traditions

In this myth, Amaterasu, enshrined at Ise Jingu's Naiku, sought to govern the land, but unruly deities were fighting.
After consulting the myriad kami, she sent Ame-no-Hohi. He instead sided with Okuninushi in Izumo, so Ame-no-Wakahiko was sent next. He married Shitateruhime, daughter of Utsushikunitama, and sought to rule for himself, but died.
After these two failures, the kami agreed that Futsunushi was the appropriate envoy. Takemikazuchi, enshrined at Kashima Jingu, offered to accompany him to Izumo.
At Inasa-no-Ohama, the two thrust their swords into the ground to demonstrate their might. Okuninushi accepted Amaterasu's command and handed over the Kunimuke-no-Hirohoko spear. The two deities pacified the land and returned to report to Amaterasu.

(From Katori JinguHP)

Divine virtue

It is worshiped as the god of family safety, agricultural and commercial guidance, protection of the sea, fulfillment of wishes, marriage, and safe childbirth.
He is known as the ancestor of peace and diplomacy due to the successful negotiation of the transfer of the country, and is also famous as the god of victory, traffic safety, and warding off disaster.

It is also said to be beneficial for praying for success in sports.

Tower gate

It was built in 1700 by the Tokugawa shogunate and is designated as an important cultural property.
Front The elderly statue on the right was “Takeuchi Sukune”, and the young statue on the left was “Fujiwara Kamatari”, the ministers of the left and right.
Also, the plaque on the tower is said to have been written by “Heihachiro Togo”.

The guardian dog behind the gate is made of wood and looks a little more sturdy than the guardian dogs you often see.

Main shrine

The current main shrine, like the tower gate, was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate, and is designated as an important cultural property.
It was decorated so beautifully that you couldn't feel its age, and it had a unique atmosphere.

It is said that if you walk around the main shrine, you will feel very good.

Sanbonsugi

Okumiya

The enshrined deity, Futsunushi-no-Okami, was enshrined here.
Visit Gokoku Shrine from the approach, continue along the mountain path, and once you reach the road, head towards the entrance of the approach.
Surrounded by a dense forest of old cedar and bamboo, it was a place with a dignified atmosphere that made you understand that it is famous as a power spot.

Notes from the visit

The approach from the free parking lot to the torii gate was lined with souvenir shops and soba shops.
There are also several flea markets lined up in open spaces, which can be said to be one of the pleasures of visiting the shrine.

At [Kikkoudou], which is right next to the parking lot, we had freshly baked dumplings to ward off evil spirits right in front of the eaves.

There was mitarashi dango and kusa mochi with red bean paste, but I recommend the warm and soft mitarashi on a cold day.
The signboard bird, the mynah bird, “Kyu-chan?” was very cute and very popular with the worshipers passing by.