Ise Jingu is the oldest shrine in Japan and consists of Kotai Jingu (Naiku), which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, and Toyouke Daijingu (Geku), which enshrines Toyouke Omikami. With a history of more than 2,000 years, it is loved as the spiritual home of the Japanese people.
When visiting Ise Jingu, it is common to first go from the Outer Shrine to the Inner Shrine. At Geku, we will visit Toyouke Omikami, who is said to bring blessings such as bountiful harvests and industrial development. It takes about 15 minutes by car from Geku to Naiku, and about 20 minutes by bus.
At the Naiku, we will visit Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of Japan who is said to bring blessings such as the national security of Japan and the prosperity of the imperial family. The main shrine of Naiku has a tradition of being rebuilt every 20 years. The current main shrine is the 62nd generation completed in 2013.
After visiting Ise Jingu, take a break at Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho in front of the Naiku. Here, you can enjoy a retro townscape that reproduces the bustle of people visiting Ise from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Okage Yokocho has about 60 shops and restaurants that sell specialties of Ise and Mie Prefecture. Try local gourmet dishes such as Ise udon and Akafuku mochi.
Ise Jingu is a popular sightseeing spot not only for Japanese people but also for foreigners. It is a place where you can feel Japanese traditional culture and nature, and you will be healed both physically and mentally. Please visit once by all means.
