Kameari Katori Shrine

Kameari Katori Shrine is located about 300 meters southeast of JR Kameari Station across the area’s main street (Kannana-dori). The torii gate you can see along the main road is known as “Urasando (back shrine approach),” so if you do not pass through it and continue right along the road, you can instead enter through the “Omotesando (front shrine approach),” located next to the large shopping center ARIO. If you see the “komagame (guardian turtle)” statues to either side of the torii gate, you’ve arrived.

Kameari Katori Shrine is a historic shrine, founded in 1276, that is beloved by locals, but it is also famous for its frequent appearances in the manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo,” which is set in Kameari. Along Omotesando is a statue of Ryo-san, a character from “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo.” As the statue is included in one of the maps that lead you around the Kameari area, many people stop by during their walks. The annual “Reitaisai” festival, held every September at Kameari Katori Shrine, is also the inspiration for the festival that happens in “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo.”

There are several small and medium-sized shrines dotted about Kameari Katori Shrine’s grounds that have been protecting the town of Kameari for many years, including “Doso Shrine.” The Kagura-den was relocated from the Edo period front hall, and it is a valuable building that has survived earthquakes and air raids.
Next to Urasando is a café called “Patisserie La Rose des Japonais,” a rare find within a shrine’s grounds. From both the seats inside the café and out on the terrace you can look out over the shrine’s grounds and main building. As the café is located along the way back to Kameari Station, it’s a great place to stop and take a break after worshipping at the shrine. (※Café hours are 10:00am-7:00pm. Closed Tuesdays.)