What it is
Kashima Jingū, near the Pacific coast of Ibaraki, is one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan. Its kami, Takemikazuchi, is a god of the sword and of martial victory. The Saitosai, its great spring festival, is said to go back to the 8th century, when soldiers left this region to guard the far western coast of Kyushu and prayed here before setting out.
On the day of the parade, teams from the shrine’s parishes march through the town in bright costumes, singing a festival song and crossing and untangling long oak staffs to the beat of drums. The festival is also known as a sign that spring has arrived.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mar 9 | Saitosai rite: The departure rite is held in the main hall of the shrine |
| Saturday after Mar 9 | Saitobayashi parade: Teams in bright costumes parade, sing and clash oak staffs around the town and shrine |
Which day should you go?
The Saturday parade
The singing and staff-clashing parade is the part to see. It is held on March 9 itself when that falls on a weekend.
What to look for
The staffs
Each participant carries an oak staff about 1.8 meters long. Teams cross and untangle them in time with the drum.
The costumes
Brightly colored outfits and decorated hats, worn by groups from the shrine's parishes.
The shrine
Kashima Jingū honors Takemikazuchi, a kami of the sword and of victory. Its forest approach is beautiful in early spring.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | Highway bus to Kashima Jingū | about 2 h |
| Narita Airport | JR via Sawara to Kashimajingū Station | about 1 h 30 min |
On the day. Kashima Jingū is about 10 minutes on foot from Kashimajingū Station and next to the highway bus stop.
Crowds. The procession through town on the Saturday is the main event.
Where to stay
Day trip from Tokyo
Highway buses run often from Tokyo Station.
Kashima
A few business hotels near the shrine.
When to book. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Dates. Since 2020, the parade has moved to the Saturday after March 9 unless the 9th is on a weekend.
- Combine. Katori Shrine, Kashima's partner shrine, is a short trip away across the Tone River.
Glossary
Kami神
A Shinto deity or sacred presence. Kami can be gods from myth, spirits of nature, or deified people.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Kashima City: Saitosai rites, https://city.kashima.ibaraki.jp/site/bunkazai/50076.html
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Saitosai.
Last checked 2026-10-13.