
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
1. Zeniarai Benten Shrine
A famous shrine known for the unique practice of washing money in the purifying water before donating.
- Money Cleansing: The only shrine in Japan where visitors can cleanse their money
- Traditional Artifacts: Showcases historical artifacts and a unique wooden statue of Benzaiten, the goddess of music and fortune.
- Surrounding Nature: Set within a serene forested area, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection
2. Kashiwabara Onsenji Temple
A historic temple known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil onsen (hot spring).
- Onsen Experience: The only temple in Japan with an open-air hot spring bath for visitors.
- Historic Architecture: Features a unique architecture style that dates back to the Edo period.
- Garden Beauty: Offers a stunning Japanese garden filled with seasonal blooms, making it especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
3. Kashiwabara Shrine
A sacred shrine dedicated to the Kashiwa Myojin deity, known for its beautiful architecture and annual events.
- Annual Events: Hosts unique events like the Setsubun Festival and Shichifukujin Mairi.
- Architectural Beauty: Features a grand torii gate, a traditional wooden architecture, and beautiful gardens.
- Mythological Connection: Legendarily connected to the Kashiwa Myojin deity, making it an important spiritual destination.
4. Kashima Jingu Shrine
A famous shrine dedicated to the god of archery and sea safety, known for its grand architecture and martial arts demonstrations.
- Martial Arts Demonstrations: Features traditional martial arts demonstrations by the Kashima Shinryu school.
- Grand Architecture: Boasts an impressive torii gate, main hall, and museum showcasing ancient artifacts.
- Sea Safety: Associated with maritime safety and has a long history of protecting sailors.
5. Kashimayama Kofun
An ancient burial mound believed to be the tomb of an emperor or powerful noble from the Kofun period.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the 6th century, offering insights into ancient Japanese history.
- Gigantic Size: One of Japan's largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds, measuring approximately 500 meters long and 280 meters wide.
- Natural Beauty: Set in a beautiful, forested hillside area with hiking trails offering scenic views.
6. Kashimadai Kannon
A famous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, located on a hill and surrounded by nature.
- Nature Surroundings: Set within a beautiful forested area with scenic views, making it an ideal spot for peaceful contemplation.
- Kannon Statue: One of the largest statues of Kannon in Japan, standing at approximately 32 meters tall.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via a cable car and offering a short hike to reach the statue.
7. Kinshu-ji Temple
A temple known for its beautiful gardens, ancient architecture, and historic artifacts.
- Historic Artifacts: Houses a national treasure - the wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai from the Kamakura period.
- Beautiful Gardens: Features a stunning Japanese garden, including a pond with colorful koi fish.
- Architectural Beauty: Boasts traditional architecture and a beautiful five-story pagoda.
8. Kashiwadaira Shrine
A lesser-known but picturesque shrine with a beautiful forest and traditional architecture.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Set within a serene forested area, offering a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
- Historic Architecture: Features traditional wooden architecture and a beautiful torii gate.
- Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by nature, providing opportunities for walks and exploration.
9. Zeni-ji Temple
A serene temple known for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and spiritual atmosphere.
- Historic Architecture: Features a stunning main hall from the Edo period.
- Garden Beauty: Offers a beautiful Japanese garden with seasonal blooms.
- Spiritual Atmosphere: Known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for reflection and contemplation.
10. Tenshu-in Temple
A temple known for its beautiful gardens, ancient architecture, and the grave of the famous samurai Matsudaira Katamori.
- Samurai Grave: The final resting place of Matsudaira Katamori, a powerful daimyo from the Edo period.
- Historic Architecture: Features an impressive five-story pagoda and a beautiful main hall.
- Garden Beauty: Offers a stunning Japanese garden, including a pond with colorful koi fish.
11. Jizo-do Temple
A temple dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu, the protector of children and travelers, known for its beautiful gardens.
- Protection for Travelers: Dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu, offering protection to travelers.
- Beautiful Gardens: Features a lovely Japanese garden, perfect for peaceful contemplation.
- Historic Architecture: Boasts traditional wooden architecture and beautiful stone carvings.
12. Ryusen-ji Temple
A temple known for its beautiful gardens, ancient architecture, and the grave of the famous samurai Matsudaira Katamori.
- Samurai Grave: The final resting place of Matsudaira Katamori, a powerful daimyo from the Edo period.
- Historic Architecture: Features an impressive five-story pagoda and a beautiful main hall.
- Garden Beauty: Offers a stunning Japanese garden, including a pond with colorful koi fish.
13. Shizen-ji Temple
A temple known for its beautiful gardens and a unique statue of Fudo Myoo, the wrathful Buddhist deity.
- Fudo Myoo Statue: Features an impressive statue of Fudo Myoo, the wrathful Buddhist deity.
- Beautiful Gardens: Offers a beautiful Japanese garden, perfect for peaceful contemplation.
- Historic Architecture: Boasts traditional wooden architecture and stone carvings.
14. Kamiyacho Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the local deity of agriculture, known for its beautiful gardens and annual events.
- Annual Events: Hosts unique events like the Shichifukujin Mairi.
- Beautiful Gardens: Features a lovely Japanese garden, perfect for peaceful contemplation.
- Local Deity of Agriculture: Dedicated to the local deity of agriculture, offering blessings for a prosperous harvest.
15. Myoken-ji Temple
A temple known for its beautiful gardens, ancient architecture, and the grave of the famous samurai Matsudaira Katamori.
- Samurai Grave: The final resting place of Matsudaira Katamori, a powerful daimyo from the Edo period.
- Historic Architecture: Features an impressive five-story pagoda and a beautiful main hall.
- Garden Beauty: Offers a stunning Japanese garden, including a pond with colorful koi fish.