Kameari Katori-jinja Shrine

In short

Kameari Katori-jinja Shrine is located about a 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line. After exiting the South Exit and walking for a short while, a large torii gate comes into view along Kannana-dori Avenue. Its history dates back about 750 years to 1276 in the Kamakura period, when a divided spirit (bunrei) was received from Katori Jingu Shrine. It is affectionately revered as a shrine for deities of martial arts, as well as for the health of one's feet and legs.

• ​Deities of the Three Shrines of Togoku​​: Enshrines the three deities of Katori, Kashima, and Ikisu together.
• ​North-Facing Dosojin​​: A sub-shrine on the grounds where straw sandals (waraji) are offered, said to bring blessings for the health of feet and legs.
• ​Statue of Ryo-san on the Grounds​​: A bronze statue of Ryo-san from Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo stands within the precincts.

History and Highlights

​Kameari Katori-jinja Shrine​ had its beginnings in 1276 (Kenji 2) during the Kamakura period. At that time, Kameari was called "Kasai-mikuriya Kamenashi-mura" and was part of the divine territory of Katori Jingu Shrine. For this reason, a divided spirit of Futsunushi no Okami was welcomed from Katori Jingu Shrine and enshrined as the village's tutelary deity. Later, Takemikazuchi no Okami of Kashima and Kunado no Okami of Ikisu were also enshrined together. Serving as a shrine dedicated to the three deities of the Three Shrines of Togoku (Togoku Sanja Myojin), it has continued to protect the villagers for about 750 years up to the present day.

Both Futsunushi no Okami and Takemikazuchi no Okami have been revered since ancient times as deities of martial arts. From this, they are popularly revered as deities who help people "overcome anything": deities for warding off misfortune and inviting good fortune, for good luck and protection from evil, and for sports. Kunado no Okami is a deity who guides the way and protects the health of feet and legs.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Dosojin (Roadside Deity)​​: The dosojin within the precincts is a very rare sub-shrine that faces north. Originally located at the northern edge of the Furujosui Nishi-sengen-bori ditch, it was merged into this shrine in 1908 (Meiji 41). Because straw sandals came to be offered here, it is said to bring blessings for feet and legs, and it is said that many runners also visit to pray around the time of the Tokyo Marathon.
• ​Four Inari Sub-shrines​​: These are Inari shrines formerly scattered across various parts of Kameari that were relocated here, consisting of Toshiro Inari, Ukisu Inari, Matsuyama Inari, and Kyoho Inari. It is considered very rare that the four shrines were not combined and still remain as separate individual shrines.
• ​Komagame (Guardian Turtles) and Ryo-san Statue​​: Instead of guardian lions (komainu), the grounds feature "komagame" (guardian turtles), and there is also a turtle on top of the offering box. The bronze statue of Ryo-san from Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo poses pointing toward the sky, and the signature of the creator, Akimoto Osamu, is inscribed at his feet.

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 3-minute walk from the South Exit of Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line. After exiting the South Exit and walking for a short while, you will see a large torii gate along Kannana-dori Avenue.

The grounds are spacious and landscaped like an open plaza. The site redevelopment, which repositioned the shrine office, a café, and other facilities around the plaza, received a Good Design Award in 2020. The patisserie "La Rose Japonaise" is also located on the grounds.

Several bronze statues from Kochikame are placed throughout the town of Kameari. Together with the spot "Kameari" located about 320 meters to the west-northwest, you can enjoy walking around looking for the statues.