Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine 鹿嶋神社 is in the small city of Takasago, about an hour drive from Kobe. This large shrine is quite impressive and located in Kashima Ohgidaira Natural Park where more than 2000 cherry blossoms are, a marvelous sight in spring.

The entrance has a massive 26 meter high torii gate made of titanium. The road leading up to the shrine is lined with old shops selling some souvenirs and food such as mochi and takoyaki (we visited in winter so there were only a couple of places open). The shrine is known for “Ichigan-Joju” which means “only one wish is fulfilled”.

There is a lower car park near the big torii and upper car park just outside the shrine although this would be closed during peak seasons. The stairs a quite steep but you can avoid them and use the access ramp to the right.

I was pleasantly surprised with Kashima Shrine, a peaceful spot and well worth a stop if you are driving through the west of Hyogo.