Kashima

Kashima (鹿嶋市, Kashima-shi) is a coastal city in eastern Ibaraki Prefecture, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It is best known as the home of Kashima Jingu (鹿島神宮), one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, and as the headquarters of the Kashima Antlers football club, two-time J.League champions. The city developed around the Kashima Industrial Zone, a major petrochemical and steel complex built on reclaimed land.

Despite its industrial character, Kashima retains deep historical roots centered on the ancient shrine, which dates back over 1,300 years. The coastline offers surfing beaches and fishing ports. Summers are warm and humid; winters are mild. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with shrine festivals adding to the appeal.

By Plane

Narita International Airport (NRT) is about 80 km southwest. Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then the JR Joban Line to Kashima, or the direct Keisei Bus from Narita to Kashima Jingu Stadium (about 2 hours). Ibaraki Airport (IBR) is about 50 km away.

By Train

The city is served by the JR Kashima Line and the Kashima Rinkai Railway. Trains from Tokyo require a transfer at Mito or Tomobe. The limited express "Hitachi" runs to Kashima Station from the north. A more direct route is the Kashima Rinkai Railway from Katori or Sawara. Kashima Jingu Station is the nearest stop to the shrine.

By Car / Road

From Tokyo, take the Higashi-Kanto Expressway to the Kashima-Minami IC, about 1.5 hours. National Route 51 runs along the coast. The Kashima Industrial Zone is well-served by highways.

The city is car-oriented, with local buses connecting JR Kashima Station to Kashima Jingu and the industrial areas. Taxis are available. The shrine area is walkable. Bicycle rental is available near Kashima Jingu Station for exploring the coastal area.

• Kashima Jingu — One of Japan's three great shrines (chokusaisha), founded in 660 BC according to tradition. The main hall is an Important Cultural Property. The vast shrine forest is a National Natural Monument. Free entry; the inner treasure hall charges a fee.

• Kashima Antlers Football Club — Kashima Soccer Stadium (Kashima Tanpei Stadium) is one of Japan's most storied football grounds. Museum open on match days.

• Kashima Port — The industrial waterfront with large tankers and cargo ships; an unexpected but impressive sight.

• Kashima Shrine Treasure Hall — Displays ancient swords, armor, and historical artifacts connected to the shrine.

• Attend a Kashima Antlers match — The stadium atmosphere is electric, especially during J.League season (March–December).

• Shrine festivals — Kashima Jingu's annual festival (September) features horseback archery (yabusame) and mikoshi processions.

• Surfing at Hiraiso Beach — A popular surf spot along the Kashima coast, with consistent waves year-round.

• Fishing — The Kashima coastline offers pier fishing and chartered offshore trips.

• Kashima gyu — Local wagyu beef available at specialty restaurants near the station.
• Seafood from the Pacific — Fresh sashimi, anago, and katsuo (bonito) at port-side restaurants.
• Kashima ramen — A regional style with a soy-based broth and thick noodles. Budget bowls from ¥800.

The station area has izakaya and small bars. Kashima Jingu's teahouse serves matcha and sweets. Local sake from Ibaraki breweries is worth trying. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Business hotels near Kashima Station such as Hotel Route-Inn Kashima, from ¥6,000/night.
• Mid-range: Kashima Hillside Hotel offers comfortable rooms with on-site dining, about ¥8,000–11,000/night.
• Upscale: For luxury, Katori or Mito (about 30 minutes) have higher-end accommodations.

Kashima is known for Kashima-nori (seaweed) and sakura ebi (tiny pink shrimp). The shopping street near Kashima Jingu sells traditional crafts, omamori (shrine amulets), and local sake. The stadium shop has Antlers merchandise.

• Katori (20 min by train) — Historic canal town with the Katori Jingu shrine and Edo-period streetscapes.
• Itako (15 min by car) — Lakeside town famous for its iris gardens and aquatic festivals.
• Choshi (30 min by train, Chiba) — Fishing port at the Tone River mouth with a lively morning market.
• Mito (40 min by train) — Ibaraki's capital with Kairakuen Garden and the Kodokan school.
• Hokota (20 min by car) — Coastal town with the Hokota Clay Doll Museum and surfing beaches.