Overseas Trip - Kashima Shrine (Mitarai Pond) in Kashima, Japan
Chapter 34: Kashima Shrine, the University of Pigs.
Ibaraki Prefecture is located northwest of Tokyo. Its most famous city is Mito, home to the renowned sea-viewing torii gate—Kamiiso Torii—and Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. However, this time I'm going to visit Kashima Shrine, which became an internet sensation because of a photo of its "gateway to the pond."
You can reach Kashima Shrine from Tokyo by JR train to Kashima Shrine Station, or by bus from Tokyo Station Yaesu Bus Terminal. Both routes accept transportation cards. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the main gate and torii gate.
Kashima Shrine, the head shrine of Kashima Shrine, is dedicated to Takemikazuchi Okami (Takemikazuchi the Thunder God). Built in 660 BC, it is one of the three most important shrines in eastern Japan. The main shrine of the renowned Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara is actually Kashima Shrine. Legend has it that the deer of Kashima Shrine acted as messengers, transporting sacred spirits to Kasuga Taisha. Therefore, the deer in Nara Park are descendants of the sacred deer of Kashima Shrine. The deer of Kashima Shrine today are descendants of deer bestowed upon them by Kasuga Taisha, demonstrating the deep relationship between the two shrines.
After entering the massive torii gate of Kashima Shrine, you reach the inner sanctuary path of the Guardian Forest. This path is lined with towering trees, many of which are native species, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Reaching the inner shrine requires traversing this forest. (Figures 3 & 4) Mitarai Pond is located in Mitarai Park behind the inner shrine. The pond is completely covered by lush green trees, requiring support structures to prevent the torii gates from collapsing under the weight of the trees. Remarkably, the pond has never dried up, even during droughts. The sign in front of the pool reads one of the seven wonders of the Mitarai-ike (washbasin basin) at Kashima Shrine, namely, the legendary fact that the water never rises above chest level for anyone, adult or child. Here, I encountered some "Japanese old masters"—people I've never seen before, even after many visits to Japan! I initially thought this activity wasn't popular in Japan, but with so many elderly men with their long lenses and cameras crowding around the pool, I was lucky I arrived early, took my photos, and quickly left.
Actually, Kashima Shrine doesn't have many attractions, but the Mitarai-ike is very photogenic. I originally planned to go to Oarai-cho, but the round trip was too long, and considering I also needed to go shopping, I cancelled.
For dinner, I went to my favorite teriyaki pork bowl restaurant—Tonkohaku. This restaurant has many branches; my favorite is the Shinbashi branch, which is considered one of Tokyo's top ten authentic pork bowls. Eating here means you can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about Tokyo's high prices. Why is it called Tonkohaku? Because the thick and juicy pork rice bowls are available in "small," "medium," "large," and "extra-large 1kg (graduate student)" sizes at the Shinbashi branch, and the Jimbocho branch has added "master's 1.5kg" and "doctoral 2kg" sizes, if you successfully complete the extra-large, master's, or doctoral portion, you can receive a degree certification and a graduation certificate! (Image 15)