Guide
Saredo Isaki Jinja is a historic shrine located in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Legend says it was founded in 856 (the Seicho era of the Heian period) and has been cherished by the local community for centuries. The greatest draw is the harmony between nature and the sea. As you walk through the solemn approach lined with a tunnel of 300-year-old camellia and machilus trees, the view suddenly opens up to reveal a stunning coastline and the iconic "Sea-view Torii Gate." This sight, where the gate frames the ocean, offers a profound sense of serenity and disconnects visitors from the everyday world.
The shrine is dedicated to the deities Sukunahikona-no-mikoto and Onamochi-no-mikoto. Sukunahikona-no-mikoto is a vital figure in Japanese mythology, often described as a mysterious deity who arrived from across the sea on a vessel made of plant bark. This mythological background symbolizes the deep connection between the land and the sea. Additionally, the shrine grounds house exquisite carvings attributed to the legendary sculptor Sawari Jengoro—the same artist associated with the famous