Kashiwa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kashiwa 3-chome, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine was formed through the merger of Haguro Shrine and Yasaka Shrine, and has long been familiar to local residents as “Tenno-sama”, a traditional name associated with Yasaka Shrine and the worship of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
The shrine was formerly classified as a village shrine under Japan’s prewar shrine ranking system. Today, it remains closely connected with the local community and is a peaceful place where visitors can experience Japanese religious traditions, seasonal events, and historic shrine architecture.
Because Kashiwa Shrine combines the traditions of two separate shrines, it enshrines several Shinto deities with different historical backgrounds.
Haguro Shrine enshrines a number of deities, including Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the deity associated with the moon, and Oyama-tsumi-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with mountains and nature. Other enshrined deities include Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, Ideha-no-Kami, and Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto.
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto
Oyama-tsumi-no-Mikoto
Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto
Ideha-no-Kami
Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto
Yasaka Shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a major deity in Japanese mythology traditionally associated with protection against epidemics and the removal of misfortune. His wife, Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, is also enshrined here.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Inada-hime-no-Mikoto
The history of Kashiwa Shrine dates back to the early Edo period. Around 1661, Yasaka Shrine received the spirit of the deity from Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and a shrine was established at the present location.
Haguro Shrine was established around 1660, when the shrine tradition of Haguro in the Dewa Sanzan area of Yamagata Prefecture was introduced to Kashiwa. It was originally located in the Hagurodai area of Kashiwa and was later moved to the present shrine grounds in 1888.
In 1907, Haguro Shrine was merged with Yasaka Shrine, bringing the two traditions together under one shrine. In 1974, the shrine buildings were reconstructed and the commonly used name was changed to Kashiwa Shrine.
However, the shrine’s official name as a religious corporation remains Haguro Shrine. This combination of historical names reflects the shrine’s unusual development from two separate religious traditions into the shrine visitors see today.
The grounds of Kashiwa Shrine combine traditional architecture with mature greenery, creating a calm atmosphere in the center of Kashiwa. The main worship hall, kagura hall, shrine office, torii gate, and ema prayer plaques are among the features visitors can see while exploring the grounds.
One of the most striking natural features of Kashiwa Shrine is its enormous ginkgo tree, believed to be more than 300 years old. Its size and age offer a tangible connection to the shrine’s long history.
In autumn, the tree turns a brilliant golden yellow, creating one of the most beautiful seasonal scenes on the shrine grounds. The contrast between the traditional shrine buildings and the colorful foliage makes this an especially attractive time for photography and quiet walks.
Kashiwa Shrine hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. One of the best-known is the Setsubun Festival, held on February 3.
During Setsubun, visitors participate in the traditional Japanese custom of throwing roasted soybeans to drive away misfortune and welcome good fortune. The event attracts many worshippers and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a lively seasonal tradition.
The shrine also hosts cultural events such as rakugo performances. Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling in which a performer, usually seated, uses changes in voice and gestures to tell a story and portray multiple characters.
These events help Kashiwa Shrine serve not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering place for the local community.
Kashiwa Shrine is conveniently located in central Kashiwa City, making it easy to visit as part of a sightseeing trip around the city.
From Kashiwa Station: approximately a 5-minute walk from JR East and Tobu Railway’s Kashiwa Station.
The area around the station has numerous shops, restaurants, and commercial facilities, allowing visitors to combine a shrine visit with shopping or a meal.
The main worship hall and kagura hall preserve the traditional atmosphere associated with Japanese Shinto shrines. Even though Kashiwa Shrine is located in an urban area, the grounds provide a peaceful space where visitors can take a break from the surrounding city.
Kashiwa Shrine has long been connected with the daily lives of local residents. People visit to pray for peace, good health, family safety, and protection from misfortune.
For international visitors, a walk through the shrine grounds offers an opportunity to observe aspects of Japanese religious culture that continue to be part of everyday community life. The combination of historic traditions, seasonal festivals, traditional architecture, and the magnificent ginkgo tree makes the shrine a memorable stop in central Kashiwa.
Kashiwa Shrine is a historic shrine created through the merger of Haguro Shrine and Yasaka Shrine. Its origins date back to the early Edo period, and its diverse collection of enshrined deities reflects the distinct histories of the two original shrines.
Today, the shrine continues to play an important role in the local community through religious observances, seasonal festivals, and cultural events. The 300-year-old ginkgo tree adds a strong connection with nature and the passage of time, while the shrine’s location just five minutes from Kashiwa Station makes it particularly convenient for travelers.
For visitors exploring Chiba, Kashiwa Shrine provides a chance to experience a historic Shinto site while discovering the local culture and traditions of Kashiwa.