Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine consists of 125 shrines and sanctuaries, including Naiku and Geku. The center of the shrine is the Imperial Shrine (Naiku), which enshrines the sun goddess Amaterasu. In addition to the main shrine, there are 10 separate shrines and numerous other shrines and sanctuaries, all of which make visitors feel a sense of holiness. If you have time, we highly recommend taking a stroll around the grounds. You can take 60-90 minutes to leisurely explore the natural surroundings of the sacred area. The official website introduces model courses by required time, so please refer to it.

As soon as you get off the bus from the Geku direction, the familiar Uji Bridge Torii catches your eye. It's a classic photo spot, so be sure to take a commemorative photo. When you pass through the torii and cross Uji Bridge, you enter a sacred realm. This bridge is said to be a "bridge connecting the world of everyday life to the sacred world." Seeing the beautiful and solemn mountains and quiet forests surrounding Naiku, you'll realize once again that you've come to Ise Jingu. Please be sure to follow the rules and enjoy yourself, refraining from taking photos in prohibited areas.

Listen to the pleasant sound of the gravel underfoot as you walk through the grounds of the Naiku Shrine, and purify yourself in the clear waters of the Isuzu River. Hand washing stations are available, but you can also purify yourself at the stone-paved purification area along the river. As you gaze upon the flow of pure water and the mountains before you, you'll feel your heart and mind being cleansed in a mysterious way.

The visiting hours of Naiku vary depending on the season, but generally open at 5:00 am. One of the attractions is being able to enjoy the sacred atmosphere no matter when you visit, but if you want to experience a more solemn atmosphere, we recommend visiting in the early morning. In the summer, when the sound of cicadas echoes through the deserted grounds, or in the winter when the air is cold and crisp, you can enjoy the charm of Ise Jingu even more in the quiet surroundings.

In the areas surrounding Naiku, such as Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho, there are many cafes and gourmet spots to enjoy lunch or eating and walking after visiting the shrine. Akafuku Honten opens at 5am to coincide with the shrine's visiting hours, and you can enjoy hojicha tea brewed with hot water from a large hearth inside the shop. Relax on the veranda facing the Isuzu River or in the spacious tatami room while savoring Ise's specialty Akafuku mochi. In addition, there are plenty of local gourmet options such as Ise udon, Matsusaka beef, and fresh seafood.

As a souvenir of your visit, be sure to get a goshuin stamp. Goshuin stamps can be obtained at the Kagura-den office (for a fee of 300 yen). Goshuincho (stamp books) can also be purchased at the Kagura-den office. In addition to the Naiku (Inner Shrine), you can also get goshuin stamps with the same design at the five separate shrines located in and around Ise City: Geku (Outer Shrine), Tsukiyomi-no-miya, Takihara-no-miya, Izawa-no-miya, and Wakahime-no-miya. It's also fun to collect all seven goshuin stamps.

Located about a 15-minute drive from Naiku is Geku, which enshrines Toyokuni-no-mikoto, the deity of food for Amaterasu Omikami. At the museum on the premises called Sengu-kan, visitors can learn about the history of Ise Jingu and see a life-size model of the main hall of Geku. Those interested should definitely visit. By the way, it is customary to visit Naiku after visiting Geku. There is also a bus that connects Geku and Naiku, so visitors who come by public transportation can rest assured.