When traveling in Japan, visiting historic shrines and temples is a must. In Hitachinaka City, there is a surprising spot that defies the traditional image of a shrine. That is the “Hitachinaka Kaiun Railway Shrine,” located within the grounds of Ajigaura Station on the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway.
Believe it or not, this shrine is a unique site unlike any other in the world, where the divine object is none other than a retired train car itself. We’ll introduce its charm in detail, not only for railway fans but also for international tourists seeking a new spot to bring good fortune.
Pride as One of Japan’s Three Great Railway Shrines
While there are railway-themed shrines throughout Japan, the Hitachinaka Kaiun Railway Shrine is counted among the “Three Great Railway Shrines of Japan,” alongside the “Fukushima Railway Shrine” in Fukushima Prefecture and the shrine within the “Bungo-Mori Locomotive Depot Museum” in Oita Prefecture.
The shrine was established in 2021. Built at Ajigaura (Ajigaura) Station—the terminus of the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway—it was created with the hopes of revitalizing the local community and ensuring railway safety.
The object of worship is the legendary train car “KiHa 222”
What sits beyond the torii gate is not a main hall, but a well-worn “railcar.” The object of worship is the famous “Kiha 222,” manufactured in 1962 and in active service in this area until 2015.
Having traveled from Hokkaido to Ibaraki Prefecture and carried countless passengers for over half a century, this train is now revered as a deity of “traffic safety” and “longevity.” Additionally, because it never “strayed from the rails,” it is also worshipped as a deity of “academic success.”
A torii gate made of railroad tracks and a space where you can feel the spirit of the railway
One of the main highlights of this shrine is the “torii gate” standing at the entrance. In fact, this torii was crafted from “real railroad tracks” that were once actually in use. The spirit of the railroad lives on in every detail, and its rugged, powerful texture creates a scene unique to this shrine.
Visitors pay their respects to this torii and the train car standing atop the tracks. The space, where retired tracks and a train car have become one, is enveloped in a mysterious stillness that feels as if time has stopped, allowing you to experience the history of the railway firsthand.
End your journey with the breathtaking views of “Ajigaura”
After visiting the shrine, be sure to head to the Ajigaura coast, located right next to the station. This resort area features a beautiful, crescent-shaped sandy beach that bustles with swimmers in the summer. Additionally, the nearby Hitachi Seaside Park features a massive structure where you can enjoy flowers blooming throughout the four seasons.
[Access Information] Take the JR Joban Line Limited Express from Tokyo to Katsuta Station (approx. 85 minutes). From there, transfer to the “Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway” and ride for about 25 minutes to the terminal station, Ajigaura. The rural scenery you’ll see while riding this local line is sure to become a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan.
A Prayer for the “Past” and “Future” Connected by the Tracks
Hitachinaka Kaiun Tetsudo Shrine is more than just a tourist spot. It is a place where Japan’s “mottainai” spirit—the idea of not wasting anything—and the culture of the “Yaoyorozu no Kami” (the eight million gods) come together to express gratitude for the old trains that have supported the region for many years, while preserving them with care and giving them a new purpose.
The auspicious message of “staying on track and moving forward steadily” is sure to leave a lasting impression on international visitors as a profoundly Japanese message, offering wishes for success in their future journeys and lives. Why not offer a prayer for your new beginning amidst the quiet sea breeze at Ajigaura?