Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) : The Heart of Japanese Spirituality

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) is one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami.

Located in Mie Prefecture, it holds profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for Japan. Known simply as "Jingu," it consists of two main shrines: the Inner Shrine (*Naiku*) and the Outer Shrine (*Geku*), surrounded by serene forests and rivers that enhance its sacred at

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1. A Sacred History That Spans Millennia

- **Foundation**: Ise Jingu is believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Suinin, making it one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
- **Amaterasu Omikami**: The Inner Shrine (*Naiku*) enshrines Amaterasu, the ancestral deity of the Japanese Imperial Family and the goddess of the sun and agriculture. She is considered the protector of Japan.
- **Outer Shrine (*Geku*)**: Dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the deity of food, clothing, and shelter, *Geku* plays a vital role in sustaining Amaterasu’s worship.
- **Rebuilding Tradition**: Every 20 years, Ise Jingu is entirely rebuilt in a ritual called *Shikinen Sengu*, which has been practiced for over 1,300 years. This renewal symbolizes the impermanence of life and the continuity of tradition.

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2. Unique Features and Trivia

- **Kotaijingu (*Naiku*)**: The main sanctuary of *Naiku* is built in *Yuiitsu Shinmei-zukuri*, the oldest style of shrine architecture, using unpainted cypress wood.
- **Access to the Sacred**: Only members of the Imperial Family and high-ranking priests are allowed to enter the inner sanctum of *Naiku*. Visitors can view it from the outer area.
- **Sacred Mirror**: Ise Jingu is home to one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan—the Yata no Kagami (Sacred Mirror), which symbolizes wisdom and truth.
- **Pilgrimage Legacy**: During the Edo period (1603–1868), Ise Jingu was the destination of the *Okage Mairi* pilgrimage, where ordinary citizens would journey to express gratitude and seek blessings.
- **The Forest**: The shrine grounds are surrounded by an ancient forest of towering cypress trees, many of which are over 400 years old. The wood from these trees is used for the shrine's rebuilding.

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3. A Place of Spiritual Renewal

Ise Jingu embodies the Shinto principles of harmony with nature, purity, and renewal. The pristine *Isuzu River*, which runs through the grounds, invites visitors to perform purification rituals. Walking through the tranquil forests of Ise, visitors often describe a profound sense of calm and connection to nature.

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4. Visitor Tips and Etiquette

- **Start at Geku**: Tradition dictates starting your visit at *Geku* before proceeding to *Naiku*.  
- **Purification Rituals**: Before entering the shrine, cleanse your hands and mouth at the *temizuya* (purification fountain).  
- **Photography**: Photography is prohibited within the main sanctuary areas to preserve the sacred atmosphere.  
- **Offerings**: You can leave offerings or make wishes at designated areas by bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once again.

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5. Access Information

Ise Jingu is accessible via a 10-minute bus ride from Ise-shi Station, which is served by trains from Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto.

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6. Nearby Attractions

- **Okage Yokocho**: A charming Edo-style street near *Naiku*, filled with shops and eateries offering traditional Japanese snacks like *akafuku mochi*.  
- **Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)**: Two sacred rocks off the coast of Ise, tied together by a *shimenawa* rope, symbolizing marital harmony.  

Ama divers in Ise are traditional female fishers in the Ise-Shima region of Mie Prefecture, Japan.  
Ama is a profession with over 2,000 years of history, where they dive without equipment to collect shellfish and seaweed from the sea.

 

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7. Why Visit Ise Jingu?

Ise Jingu offers more than a glimpse into Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions; it provides a unique opportunity to connect with the essence of Japanese culture. The serene beauty of the shrine, combined with its historical and spiritual depth, makes it an unforgettable destination. Whether you seek blessings, tranquility, or a deeper understanding of Japan, Ise Jingu promises a transformative experience.