Tegosaki Shrine
Tegosaki Shrine is located in Hasaki, Kamisu City, the southernmost (and easternmost) part of Ibaraki Prefecture. It might be a little hard to find if you're coming from Mito or Kashima along National Route 124, as there are no clear landmarks. If you make a 180-degree left turn at the intersection with the pedestrian bridge shown in the photo, a torii gate will appear.
Pass through this torii gate, and after a short drive, you'll find a parking lot.
Tegosaki Shrine is believed to have been founded in the Jingokeiun era (767 AD) and is referred to as one of the three auxiliary shrines of Kashima Jingu, along with Ikisu and Oarai Shrines. The enshrined deity is Tegohime-no-mikoto, and there are two theories about her identity: one states she is a daughter of Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto, and the other states she is Anze-no-Ojome, who appears in the "Tachime no Matsubara" section of the "Hitachi Fudoki."
Fishermen have a deep faith in this shrine, and it's customary for them to suspend fishing during the Chinju Festival (on the first day of the second month of the lunar calendar). This period often experiences rough seas, and in 1910, a major maritime disaster occurred due to a blizzard. Hundreds, possibly even over a thousand, lives were lost, but the fishermen who worshipped at Tegosaki Shrine were spared.
Additionally, the "Oshio Matsuri" (Great Tide Festival), held on the Saturday and Sunday closest to the 15th day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar, is a major event in the town. Mikoshi (portable shrines) and musical instruments parade through the streets, and fishing boats are adorned with colorful Tairyo-bata (large catch flags). Furthermore, children participate in a musical instrument contest where the pride of each neighborhood association is at stake. Some families even prioritize this over their child's prefectural athletic meet finals.
*In 2020, only the Shinto rituals of the Oshio Matsuri were performed.
Nanase Aikawa, a rock singer who has published several books about shrines, is one of those captivated by the mikoshi of Tegosaki Shrine. In her book "Taiyo to Tsuki no Musubi" (The Binding of the Sun and Moon), she recounts an episode when she offered a tamagushi (sacred branch) at the Oshio Matsuri.
Goshuin can be received at the shrine office. It comes with a leaflet and an amulet! Since the opening hours are limited, please refer to the information below before visiting.
We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Azuma, the Gūji (head priest) of Kashima Jingu, for his cooperation in preparing this article.
Text and Photos: Sakurai (Community Collaboration Team)
[Tegosaki Shrine Basic Information]
8819 Hasaki, Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture *7 minutes by car from Choshi Station, 55 minutes by car from Kashima Stadium
TEL 0479-26-3302
Shrine office: 10:00 - 15:00, Saturdays and Sundays only *May also be open on Taian (auspicious) days.