First Shrine Visit of the New Year at Katori Jingū Shrine

Katori Jingū Shrine, which enshrines Futsunushi-no-Ōkami, a deity who appears in many famous Japanese mythologies, is the head shrine of 400 Katori Shrines nationwide. Before the Meiji period (1868-1912), Ise Jingū Shrine, Katori Jingū Shrine, and Kashima Jingū Shrine were the only shrines given Jingū status (a Jingū shrine is a high-status Shinto shrine with connection to the Imperial House of Japan), making them the most famous shrines in Japan.

The main hall, central hall, and prayer hall all share one roof and are connected by an intermediate passageway. The cypress bark roof, colored like deer hide, and the jet-black appearance is truly beautiful. The dense forest of old cedar trees, cherry trees, and maple trees also creates an impressive atmosphere within the precinct. In recent years, Katori Jingū Shrine has attracted attention as a power spot.

In addition, this shrine possesses a national treasure, the Kaijū Budō Kyō (Sea Beast Glazed Mirror), Important Cultural Properties, such as the Koseto Guardian Lion-Dog, and many other Cultural Properties. It also continues to carry out traditional Shinto rituals, such as the Shinkō Festival and the Rice Planting Festival.

During the first three days of each New Year, over 500,000 people come to Katori Jingū Shrine to pay their respects.