The pond water is considered holy and historically served as a ritual cleansing site for pilgrims visiting Kashima Jingu.
The water level remains constant at approximately 40 centimeters deep, allowing visitors to walk through the pond during certain rituals.
The spring water is naturally filtered by the region's volcanic soil and is traditionally considered drinkable after boiling.
The park is situated at the foot of the hill where the Kashima Jingu Shrine grounds are elevated.
Local traditions state that the spring was discovered by a deity during the mythological founding of the region.
Mitarashi Park is a sacred natural site located at the base of a cliff in Kashima, famous for the Mitarashi Pond. The pond is fed by a natural spring that reportedly never runs dry, maintaining a constant water level regardless of rainfall. It serves as a traditional purification site where visitors perform ritual ablutions before entering the nearby Kashima Jingu Shrine. The park features a small waterfall and a wooden pedestrian bridge overlooking the clear, koi-filled basin. A cedar-lined forest surrounds the area, creating a protected microclimate that remains significantly cooler than the surrounding urban environment. The site is deeply linked to the cultural history of the Kashima Jingu Shrine, which is one of the oldest and most significant Shinto shrines in eastern Japan.
From the wooden bridge overlooking the pond with the waterfall in the background.
Bring a towel if you intend to walk through the shallow pond area for purification.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Wear comfortable, slip-resistant footwear as the stones near the water can be mossy and damp.
Avoid walking through the pond if you are wearing inappropriate footwear or if the area is crowded with worshippers.
Maintain a quiet tone to respect the site's religious significance; do not touch or feed the koi.
