About this location: Ise Grand Shrine
Ise Jingu is Japan's most sacred shrine, above all 80,000 shrines nationwide. Comprising the Naiku (inner shrine to Amaterasu) and Geku (outer shrine to Toyouke), it remains ever-new through 20-year rebuilding cycles. The Isuzu River, giant cedar trees, and tranquil approach exude sacred air.
Key features
- Naiku (Kotai Jingu) — enshrining Amaterasu Omikami; cross Uji Bridge to enter the shrine grounds, the Isuzu River, the inner sanctuary, and the Aramatsuri-no-miya — the most sacred ground
- Geku (Toyouke Daijingu) — enshrines Toyouke, deity of Amaterasu's daily meals; tradition holds that worshippers visit Geku first
- Uji Bridge — about 100 m of wooden bridge marking Naiku's entrance, rebuilt every 20 years; the Isuzu River framed through its rails is exquisite
- Isuzu River and shrine cedars — millennia-old cedars line the approach, with «Mitarashiba» a place to purify hands in the river
- Shikinen Sengu rituals — the «Okihiki» log-pulling ceremony and the once-in-20-years sacred rebuilding; the next occurs in 2033
