Located in the scenic coastal town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture's Kashiima Island Shrine is a serene Shinto destination dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-kami, the god of the moon and harvest. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a humble torii gate marking the entrance to the island, with an adjacent vermilion torii gate from the 19th century. Visitors can walk through the tranquil forest surrounding the shrine, where offerings are left for Tsukuyomi-no-kami in the hopes of good fortune and bountiful harvests.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukuyomi-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.2141428, 140.4261088
Visitor tip
To respectfully participate in a traditional offering ceremony, be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the shrine's forested grounds and follow the on-site guidelines for making offerings of sake and fruit.
Cultural notes
As Tsukuyomi-no-kami is often invoked during autumnal festivals, the shrine's autumn moon viewing events are particularly noteworthy. Visitors can also explore the nearby coastal routes to witness the stunning fall foliage or visit the island's quaint village for a glimpse into local culture.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Kashiima Island Shrine has continued to serve as a sacred site for the local community.