昔からなぜか神社が好きだった。
子どもの頃、近所の神社は遊び場にもなっていて、
放課後毎日のように神社で友達と遊ぶのが習慣にもなっていた。

私は特に霊感的なものもなく、スピリチュアルにもあまり興味がない
けれど、神社の境内は何となく落ち着くというか、良い「気」持ちに
なるのだ。見守られているような安心感。

大人になってから各地の色々な神社に行ってみた。
その中でも一番気持ちが良いと感じたのが「鹿島神宮」だ。
「鹿島神宮」茨城県の南東部、なかなか辺鄙な（失礼(;'∀')）土地にありなふがら、日本全国に約600社ある鹿島神社の総本社というスゴイ神社。というか神社ではなく何と最も格式が高いと言われている「神宮」！

最初に訪れたのは、近場に行った時に時間ができたので寄ってみようかなあという軽い気持ちで。諸々知識もないままに。
鹿島神宮は山の中にあって、まずそれだけでも気持ちが良いのだけれど中に入った時に空気が変わったような気がした。澄んだ空気と生い茂る木のトンネルを抜けると境内が見えてくる。その空間がとにかく清々しくて一歩一歩進んでいくにつれ心がすっきりしていく。不思議な感覚。
その林は植生ではない自生した樹木が密生している林地で樹叢（じゅそう）と呼ばれるものだそうだ。

その日は平日であまり人がいなかった。シンとした参道、耳を澄ますと木々のささやきが聞こえてきそうな、深く深く静かな空間。木漏れ陽がキラキラしていて、何というか、もうとにかく「ああ、ここが好きだ」と思った。もう15年くらい前のことだけれど、その時の感覚はクリアに残っている、

あとから鹿島神宮はパワースポットとして有名な場所だと知った。今思うとその時の私にその場所が必要で、引き寄せられていたのかもしれない。
心が疲れてしまった時、落ち着かせたい時、ぜひ訪ねてもらいたい場所だ。

＊鹿島神宮
茨城県鹿嶋市宮中2306-1　鹿島神宮駅より徒歩8分

I have always had a fondness for shrines. During my childhood, the local shrine served as a playground, and it became a daily habit to play with friends there after school.
Although I don't particularly have a sensitivity to the spiritual realm and haven't been very interested in spirituality, the precincts of shrines somehow make me feel calm and bring about a positive atmosphere. It's like a reassuring feeling of being watched over.
As an adult, I visited various shrines across different regions. Among them, the one that left the most pleasant impression on me was "Kashima Jingu" in Ibaraki Prefecture. Located in a somewhat remote area in the southeast of Ibaraki, it is considered the head shrine of approximately 600 Kashima Shrines nationwide. Interestingly, it is not just a shrine but is referred to as the most prestigious "Jingu" (Grand Shrine).
My first visit was casual, prompted by having some free time nearby. I had no prior knowledge about it. Kashima Jingu is situated in the mountains, and just that fact made the visit enjoyable. However, upon entering, the atmosphere seemed to change. Passing through the clean air and a tunnel of lush trees, the precincts came into view. The space was refreshing, and with each step, my mind felt clearer. It was a mysterious sensation. The forest is called "jusou" and consists of naturally grown trees, not planted vegetation.
It was a weekday, and there weren't many people around. The shrine path was tranquil, and if you listened carefully, you could hear the whispers of the trees—an intensely quiet and peaceful space. The sunlight filtering through the leaves sparkled, and I just thought, "Ah, I love this place." Although this happened about 15 years ago, the feeling from that day remains vivid in my memory.
Later on, I discovered that Kashima Jingu is a famous power spot. Looking back, perhaps I needed that place at that time, and it drew me to it. For those moments when the heart is weary or when you seek solace, I highly recommend visiting this place.
Kashima Jingu Address: 2306-1 Miyanaka, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture 8 minutes on foot from Kashima Jingu Station