Kashima Castle was located in Shiroyama, Kashima City, Ibaraki Pref. It was built by Kashima Masamiki in the Kamakura period (1192-1333). The Kashima clan was appointed as Sodaigyoji-shoku (general director of rituals) in 1368. Since then the family was called by this title and gained prosperity. In 1590, when the Kashima clan was destroyed by the Satake clan’s attack, the castle was abolished.
The castle ruin is located to the west of Kashima Jingu Shrine. The site of Honmaru is arranged into a large park and a high school stands on the site of Ninomaru (the second castle) now. The moat surrounding Honmaru ruins is as deep and wide as those built in the early modern periods. Many other ruins including water moats and earth works remain in the former castle area and create a dignifying atmosphere.