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Enshrined Deity
Futsunushi-no-Ōkami
経津主大神（ふつぬしのおおかみ） — 武神・国家鎮護の神
Futsunushi-no-Ōkami is the supreme martial deity of the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). Together with Takemikazuchi of Kashima Shrine, he descended to Izumo to negotiate the peaceful transfer of the land from Ōkuninushi — the mythological event known as the Kuniyuzuri (国譲り), the “Ceding of the Land.” As the head shrine of approximately 400 Katori shrines across Japan, Katori Jingū stands as the spiritual center of martial arts, national protection, and decisive action.
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The Essence · 核心価値
核心的価値 — なぜここが特別なのか
核心价值 · 为何与众不同
由緒 · Why It Matters
One of only three shrines in all of Japan to bear the sacred title “Jingū” since ancient times.
Before the Meiji era, only Ise, Kashima, and Katori held the supreme designation of “Jingū” (神宮) — a title reserved for shrines of the highest national significance. Founded traditionally in 643 BC, the 18th year of Emperor Jimmu's reign, Katori Jingū has been revered for over 2,600 years as one of the two great guardian shrines of eastern Japan.
Before the Meiji era, only Ise, Kashima, and Katori held the supreme designation of “Jingū” (神宮) — a title reserved for shrines of the highest national significance. Founded traditionally in 643 BC, the 18th year of Emperor Jimmu's reign, Katori Jingū has been revered for over 2,600 years as one of the two great guardian shrines of eastern Japan.
東国三社 · The Three Eastern Shrines
Since the Edo period, pilgrims completing their journey to Ise Grand Shrine would make a secondary pilgrimage to the “Tōgoku Sansha” — the Three Great Shrines of the East: Katori, Kashima, and Ikisu. This triangle of sacred sites in the Tone River delta was considered essential for completing one's spiritual protection. Today, the tradition continues as visitors collect stamps from all three shrines on a single day trip.
▶ 香取神宮の杜 — The sacred forest of Katori · 30 sec
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Plan Your Visit · 交通指南
旅の地図 — アクセス情報
交通指南 · 如何前往
- JR Narita Line — Sawara Station · 15 min by bus / 10 min by taxi 佐原駅 · Bus: ¥300 one-way (every 1–2 hrs weekdays, more frequent weekends)
- From Narita — approx. 30 min JR Narita Line to Sawara Station · ¥530 one-way
- From Tokyo — approx. 2 hrs JR Sobu Line Rapid → Narita → JR Narita Line to Sawara · or Highway Bus from Tokyo Station
- By car — Sawara-Katori IC (Higashi-Kantō Expressway) · 10 min Narita Airport → ~40 min by car via Route 51
- Parking: Free (multiple lots available) 第一・第二・第三駐車場 · Ample space on weekdays
- Grounds: Dawn to Dusk · Free admission 御朱印受付 Goshuin office: 8:30–16:30 · ¥500 · 宝物館 Treasure Hall: 9:00–16:00 · ¥300
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Deep Insight · 深度探索
リピーターのこだわり — 知る人ぞ知る
深度探索 · 行家的坚持
UNIQUE
要石 — The Earthquake-Suppressing Keystone
Deep in the forest behind the main shrine lies the Kaname-ishi — a mysterious stone said to pin down the giant catfish (ōnamazu) that causes earthquakes. In 1664, Tokugawa Mitsukuni (of Mito domain fame) ordered his men to dig around the stone to find its base. After seven days and nights of excavation, they never reached the bottom. A matching keystone exists at Kashima Shrine — together they suppress the earth's tremors.
UNIQUE
楼門 — The Rōmon Gate with Tōgō's Calligraphy
The magnificent two-story Rōmon gate, built in 1700 by the Tokugawa shogunate, is designated an Important Cultural Property. Above the entrance hangs a plaque bearing the characters “香取神宮” brushed by Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō — the naval hero who led Japan's decisive victory in the Russo-Japanese War. The gate's balanced proportions make it one of the most photographed shrine gates in the Kantō region.
INFO
奥宮 — The Hidden Inner Shrine
A 10-minute walk deep into the old-growth forest leads to the Oku-no-Miya, the inner shrine. This quiet, mossy sanctuary houses the former main hall — the honden built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1605 and relocated here when the current main hall was completed in 1700. Few visitors make the walk, making it a contemplative highlight for those who seek it.
FESTIVAL
御船祭 — The Grand Boat Festival (April)
Every twelve years (Year of the Horse), the Ofune Matsuri sees the deity of Katori cross the Tone River by boat to meet the deity of Kashima. This rare, spectacular procession re-enacts the mythological descent of the two warrior gods. The annual spring festival in April also features sacred kagura dance and archery demonstrations honoring the martial deity.
TIP
参道の厄落としだんご — Evil-Warding Dango
At Kikkōdō (亀甲堂) on the approach path, try the famous yaku-otoshi dango — charcoal-grilled rice dumplings said to ward off misfortune. The shrine itself holds a unique festival called Dan-gi Matsuri on December 7th where dango replaces sake as the sacred offering — the only shrine in Japan with this custom.
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Eat, Stay & More · 周邊資訊
周辺の滞在 — 食・宿・寄り道
周边信息 · 吃住游
Food · 食
亀甲堂の厄落としだんご
Charcoal-grilled rice dumplings on the shrine approach. A Katori pilgrimage tradition for generations. Sweet soy sauce glaze, eaten hot on the spot. The perfect post-prayer treat.
Local · 食
野の花庵の十割そば
Hand-made 100% buckwheat soba noodles, 10 minutes from the main hall. Made with Katori's sacred spring water, the noodles have a distinctive smooth, chewy texture beloved by soba connoisseurs.
Side Trip · 寄
佐原の町並み (Sawara)
The “Little Edo of the North.” A preserved Edo-period merchant district along the Ono River, 15 min from the shrine. Traditional buildings, willow-lined canals, and boat rides. National Important Preservation District.
Stay · 宿
佐原商家町ホテル NIPPONIA
Converted Edo-period merchant houses now serving as boutique hotel rooms scattered through Sawara's historic district. Sleep inside living history while exploring the three eastern shrines.
Pair Shrine · 対
香取 → 鹿島神宮
Kashima Jingū (Hitachi Province ichinomiya) is just 30 min by car across the Tone River. Together they form Japan's most legendary martial shrine pair. Visit both in a single day.
Third Shrine · 三
香取 → 息栖神社
Ikisu Shrine completes the Tōgoku Sansha triangle. A quiet, intimate shrine by the Tone River, 20 min from Katori. Collect all three goshuin stamps to complete the sacred circuit.
国譲り神話と東国三社 — The Kuniyuzuri Myth & Three Eastern Shrines
THE TWIN SWORDS THAT PACIFIED JAPAN
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Futsunushi
Katori's deity — sword of divine authority
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Takemikazuchi
Kashima's deity — thunder god of war
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Kunado & Amenotorifune
Ikisu's deities — guides of the journey
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Kuniyuzuri 国譲り
Peaceful transfer of the land from Ōkuninushi
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Only 3 “Jingū”
Ise, Kashima, Katori — pre-Meiji era
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要石 Kaname-ishi
Bottomless keystone — suppresses earthquakes
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御船祭 Ofune Matsuri
Once in 12 years — deities cross the Tone River
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Sacred Forest
Ancient growth forest — 600+ yr old trees
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400 Branch Shrines
Head shrine of all Katori shrines across Japan
In the founding mythology of Japan, the celestial gods dispatched Futsunushi (of Katori) and Takemikazuchi (of Kashima) to the province of Izumo to persuade Ōkuninushi to yield the earthly realm to the heavenly lineage. Through a combination of diplomacy and martial prowess, they succeeded — and the land was peacefully transferred. This Kuniyuzuri myth explains why Katori and Kashima have always been worshipped as a pair: two swords of heaven, inseparable in their mission. Together with Ikisu Shrine, which enshrines the guiding deity of their journey, they form the Tōgoku Sansha — a triangle of martial and spiritual power that Edo-period pilgrims considered second only to Ise itself. The current main hall (honden), built in 1700 under the fifth Tokugawa shogun Tsunayoshi, is a masterpiece of Genroku-era architecture and a designated Important Cultural Property.