香取神宮 – 英語で説明するために – 英会話形式で学ぶ

Yes, I have! Katori Jingu is a really special place. It’s one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to the god of war, Futsunushi no Okami. Why are you interested in it?

Well, it dates back to ancient times, even before recorded history. Warriors used to pray there for victory. The main hall was actually rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Edo period. It’s now a designated Important Cultural Property.

The Kaname-ishi is a sacred stone that’s believed to control earthquakes. Only a small part of it is visible above the ground, but it’s been worshipped for centuries. It’s quite mysterious!

Definitely. Besides the historical significance, it’s known as a power spot, especially for people seeking success or protection. The atmosphere is very peaceful, especially with the surrounding forest and the sacred tree that’s over 1,000 years old.

It really is. Standing under it feels like you’re connected to something ancient and powerful. There’s also an inner shrine, called the Okunomiya, which is even quieter and deeper in the woods. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk.

Yes, there’s yaku-yoke dango, which are dumplings believed to protect you from bad luck. You can find them along the approach to the shrine. And if you go into nearby Sawara, you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes, especially freshwater fish.

Exactly! Sawara is just a short drive from Katori Jingu, and it’s like stepping back into the Edo period. The streets are lined with old merchant houses, and there’s a river where you can take a boat ride, just like in old times.

You could visit the Ino Tadataka Museum. He was the man who created one of the first accurate maps of Japan. The museum showcases his work and life—it’s pretty interesting if you’re into history.

Yes, there’s the Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, where you can see beautiful irises in early summer. It’s famous for its flowers, and you can even take a boat ride through the park. It’s a great way to enjoy nature.

Absolutely! You could start at Katori Jingu in the morning, explore Sawara in the afternoon, and then visit Ayame Park later. It’s a well-rounded trip, mixing history, culture, and nature.

It depends on when you go. Festivals can draw big crowds, especially the Jinkosai in April. But on regular days, it’s usually calm, and you can enjoy the atmosphere without too many people.

You won’t regret it. It’s a beautiful area with so much to offer. Let me know when you go, I’d love to hear how you like it!

Yes, I have! Katori Jingu is a really special place. It’s one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to the god of war, Futsunushi no Okami. Why are you interested in it?

うん、行ったことあるよ！香取神宮は本当に特別な場所なんだ。日本最古級の神社のひとつで、戦いの神様、経津主大神を祀ってるんだ。どうして興味を持ったの？

Well, it dates back to ancient times, even before recorded history. Warriors used to pray there for victory. The main hall was actually rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Edo period. It’s now a designated Important Cultural Property.

実は、紀元前に遡るほど古い神社で、武士たちはそこで勝利を祈ってたんだ。本殿は江戸時代に徳川家康によって再建されたんだけど、今では重要文化財に指定されてるよ。

The Kaname-ishi is a sacred stone that’s believed to control earthquakes. Only a small part of it is visible above the ground, but it’s been worshipped for centuries. It’s quite mysterious!

要石は地震を鎮める力があると信じられている神聖な石なんだ。地面の上に見えるのはほんの一部だけだけど、何世紀にもわたって崇拝されてきたんだよ。結構神秘的だよね！

Definitely. Besides the historical significance, it’s known as a power spot, especially for people seeking success or protection. The atmosphere is very peaceful, especially with the surrounding forest and the sacred tree that’s over 1,000 years old.

間違いなく人気だよ。歴史的な意味合いに加えて、特に成功や守護を求める人にとってはパワースポットとして有名なんだ。周りの森や樹齢1000年以上の御神木があって、すごく落ち着いた雰囲気だよ。

It really is. Standing under it feels like you’re connected to something ancient and powerful. There’s also an inner shrine, called the Okunomiya, which is even quieter and deeper in the woods. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk.

本当にすごいよ。その木の下に立つと、古代からの力強さを感じるんだ。それに、奥宮っていうさらに静かな神社もあって、森の奥にひっそりとあるんだ。静かに散歩するのには最適だよ。

Yes, there’s yaku-yoke dango, which are dumplings believed to protect you from bad luck. You can find them along the approach to the shrine. And if you go into nearby Sawara, you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes, especially freshwater fish.

うん、厄除け団子っていうのがあって、不運を避けるために食べるお団子なんだ。参道沿いで売ってるよ。それから、近くの佐原に行けば、特に川魚を使った伝統的な和食を楽しめるよ。

Exactly! Sawara is just a short drive from Katori Jingu, and it’s like stepping back into the Edo period. The streets are lined with old merchant houses, and there’s a river where you can take a boat ride, just like in old times.

そうそう！香取神宮から車で少し行ったところにあって、まるで江戸時代にタイムスリップしたみたいな場所なんだ。通りには古い商家が並んでいて、川では昔のように舟遊びができるんだよ。

You could visit the Ino Tadataka Museum. He was the man who created one of the first accurate maps of Japan. The museum showcases his work and life—it’s pretty interesting if you’re into history.

伊能忠敬記念館にも行けるよ。彼は日本で最初の精密な地図を作った人物なんだ。博物館では彼の仕事と人生を展示していて、歴史に興味があるなら楽しめると思うよ。

Yes, there’s the Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, where you can see beautiful irises in early summer. It’s famous for its flowers, and you can even take a boat ride through the park. It’s a great way to enjoy nature.

うん、水郷佐原あやめパークがあって、初夏には美しいアヤメの花が見られるんだ。花で有名な場所で、公園内を舟で回ることもできるんだよ。自然を満喫するには最高の場所だよ。

Absolutely! You could start at Katori Jingu in the morning, explore Sawara in the afternoon, and then visit Ayame Park later. It’s a well-rounded trip, mixing history, culture, and nature.

もちろん可能だよ！朝に香取神宮を訪れて、午後は佐原を散策して、そのあとにあやめパークに行くこともできるよ。歴史、文化、自然が楽しめるバランスの良い旅になるね。

It depends on when you go. Festivals can draw big crowds, especially the Jinkosai in April. But on regular days, it’s usually calm, and you can enjoy the atmosphere without too many people.

行く時期によるかな。特に4月の神幸祭のときは大勢の人が集まるよ。でも、普通の日ならたいてい静かで、あまり人がいないから雰囲気をゆっくり楽しめると思うよ。

You won’t regret it. It’s a beautiful area with so much to offer. Let me know when you go, I’d love to hear how you like it!

後悔しないよ。本当に素敵な場所だからね。行ったら教えて、感想を聞きたいな！

dedicated : 形容詞
意味: 献身的な、専用の。Committing oneself fully to a particular task or purpose; devoted to a specific cause or activity.
（香取神宮が経津主大神に捧げられているという意味で使用）
例文：

• Katori Jingu is dedicated to Futsunushi no Okami.
  「香取神宮は経津主大神に捧げられています。」
• He is dedicated to his studies.
  「彼は勉強に専念しています。」
• This room is dedicated for meetings only.
  「この部屋は会議専用です。」

be drawn to :フレーズ
意味: 引きつけられる、惹かれる。To feel a strong attraction or interest in something or someone.
（香取神宮の歴史的な側面に惹かれるという意味で使用）
例文：

• Mack is drawn to historical places like Katori Jingu.
  「マックは香取神宮のような歴史的な場所に惹かれています。」
• She is drawn to art and culture.
  「彼女はアートと文化に惹かれています。」
• Many people are drawn to the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.
  「多くの人が田舎の静かな雰囲気に惹かれます。」

a day trip : 名詞
意味: 日帰り旅行。A trip or excursion that lasts for one day, without an overnight stay.
（香取神宮と佐原を訪れる際に、日帰りで行くことができると説明するために使用）
例文：

• Katori Jingu is perfect for a day trip.
  「香取神宮は日帰り旅行にぴったりです。」
• We went on a day trip to the mountains.
  「私たちは山への日帰り旅行に出かけました。」
• You don’t need to stay overnight, it’s just a day trip.
  「一晩泊まる必要はないよ、それは日帰り旅行だよ。」

approach : 名詞
意味: 参道、入り口、接近。The path or route leading to a place; also used to refer to a method or way of doing something.
（香取神宮への参道を指す言葉として使用）
例文：

• The approach to Katori Jingu is lined with tall trees.
  「香取神宮への参道には高い木が並んでいます。」
• She took a different approach to solve the problem.
  「彼女はその問題を解決するために異なる方法を取りました。」
• The approach to the house was narrow and winding.
  「家への入り口は狭くて曲がりくねっていました。」

peaceful : 形容詞
意味: 平和な、静かな。Free from disturbance; calm and quiet.
（香取神宮周辺の静かな雰囲気を表現するために使用）
例文：

• The forest around Katori Jingu is very peaceful.
  「香取神宮の周囲の森はとても静かです。」
• I enjoy the peaceful mornings in the countryside.
  「私は田舎の静かな朝が好きです。」
• The park was quiet and peaceful, perfect for a walk.
  「その公園は静かで穏やかで、散歩にぴったりでした。」