Ise Jingu :5 Things You Should Know before Visiting

Ise Jingu Shrine has long been popular as the home of the Japanese spirit. The official name is "Jingu" and is a collective term for all 125 shrines, centered on the Naiku and Geku.
Take a leisurely walk of the large Ise Jingu Shrine. In ancient practice, visit the Geku first and then the Naiku. After the visit of shrines, head to the Ise's front town "Oharai-cho". Retro shops are lined on stone pavements along the river, and you can enjoy the nostalgic feeling of the past. Especially at the lively "Okage Yokocho", you will many attractive shops, such as a long-established Japanese confectionery shop, a shop where you can eat specialty Ise udon, and a cute Japanese-style goods store!

What is "Ise Jingu" in the first place?

Ise Jingu Shrine has been called "Oise-san" by locals and has long been known as the home of the Japanese heart. Ise Jingu Shrine is not a shrine, but it is a general term for 125 shrines, officially called "Jingu", centered on the Koutai-Jingu (Naiku) and the Toyoukedai-Jingu (Geku).
The Naiku is enshrined by Amaterasu Omikami, the Japanese center god of shrines, and the Geku is enshrined by Toyouke Omikami, the guardian of clothing, foods, house and industry. The main shrine where the Toyouke Omikami and the Amaterasu Omikami are enshrined is "Goseigu", and the second-highest palace is called "Betsumiya". The formal way of visit starts from Geku to Naiku and from Goseigu to Betsumiya at each shrine.
Naiku has a history of 2,000 years and Geku has a history of 1500 years. Why not get a power in this spiritual place that has attracted the reverence of people during its long history.

Koutai Jingu (Naiku)

Approximately 2,000 years ago, Emperor Jinnin settled a shrine on the banks of Isuzu River to enshrine Amaterasu Omikami.
After crossing Ujibashi bridge, believed a bridge that connects this world and the sacred world, you enter the sanctual area of the Naiku, and follow the long approach to the stone gravel. Before visiting the main shrine, cleanse your hands and mouth in the Temizu-sha to remove the impurity.

○Do you know the correct manner of washing your hands?

Draw a cup of water, clean your left hand and then clean your right hand. Next pour water in your left hand and rinse your mouth with the water. Finally, rinse your left hand again with the remaining water, and wash your ladle for the next person. This is the common practice of shrines nationwide. It's cool to be able to perform a series of movements without stagnation.

People cleaned their hands at River Isuzu in the past. The stone pavement on this riverbank is said to have been donated by Keisho-in, the mother of General Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1692.
After cleaning your hands, visit Takimatsuri no Kami, Naiku Kaguraden, and Seigu Koutai Jinja. Do not forget to visit Betsumiya before going next.


Map of Koutai-Jingu (Naiku)

Toyouke-dai Omiya (Geku)

This shrine settled against the backdrop of Mt. Takakura in the center of Ise city, worships Toyouke Omikami. The Toyouke Omikami is the god of the Meals, who handles the meals of the Amaterasu Omikami of the Naiku, and is also revered as a guardian of clothing, food, house and industry.
Go through the torii gate, step on the gravel, walk on the approach with gentle sunbeams, and you will feel refreshed.
It was called Geku (meaning outside shrine) because it was "outside" from the viewpoint of Naiku. There was a record that was already called Geku in the Nara period (early 8th century).


Map of Toyouke-dai Omiya (Geku)

Enjoy the retro atmosphere at Ise's front town "Oharai-cho"

After visiting Ise Jingu Shrine, go for a walk around Oharai town near the Naiku, a place where many worshippers visited during the Edo period. It is as if you time trip to Edo period if you walk the town.
There are about 60 shops in total, centered on a cobblestone street that runs from Ujibashi bridge along Isuzu River. There are a variety of shops, such as shops where you can eat the specialty Ise Udon, shops where you can taste the seafood dishes of Mie Prefecture, sweet dumpling shops that are perfect for eating and walking, and souvenir shops. Please take a leisurely stroll through the retro streets of Oharai town in the refreshing feelings after worship

"Okage Yokocho" located in the middle of Oharai town.

Okage Yokocho Street is located in the middle of Oharai town. Let's enjoy eating and buying souvenirs at "Okage Yokocho", which is always lively with many people.
There are many shops like fairs, and every day is like a festival.
It is good to lighten your lunch and enjoy eating and walking. Many long-established Japanese sweets and lovely Japanese goods have been loved as souvenir since Edo period.

Two shrines you want to visit if you have time

○ Futami Okitama Shrine

Also known as a spiritual spot for marriage is the couple rock at Futami Okitama Shrine, which is said to be a symbol of a couple.
In this place, Okitama, a spirit stone related to Sarudahiko Okimi, known as the god of Michihiraki (open the way), is settled.
The right manner of visiting Ise Jingu is visit this shrine before visiting two grand shrines, so many people still come here to start their Ise Jingu visiting.
It is also characteristic of this shrine that there are many bronze statues of Futami frog known as errands of Sarutahiko Okimi on the precincts.

○ Sarutahiko Shrine

If you have any difficulties in your life, such as studying and working, visit Sarutahiko Shrine, a 10-minute walk from Ise Shrine.
Sarutahiko Okimi, worshiped at Sarutahiko Shrine, is called the "Michihiraki God" and is said to lead a good life.
Of particular interest at this shrine is the octagonal compass stone in front of the main shrine. This stone is said to be the place where the great power gathers. When visiting Sarutahiko Shrine, don't forget to touch this stone as well as worship.

■Ise Jingu

HP: https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/about/index.html
Address: (Naiku) 1 Ujitachi-cho, Ise city, Mie Pref. Kyoto Prefecture
(Geku) 279 Toyokawa-cho, Ise city, Mie Pref.
Phone: 0596-24-1111
Admission fee: free
Opening time: 5:00～18:00 (Jan ～Apr, Sep), 5:00～19:00 (May ～ Aug), 5:00～17:00 (Oct ～Dec)
Closed days: None

《Access》

➡➡➡To Geku
From JR / Kintetsu Ise Station
(by walk) About 7 minutes
➡➡➡To Naiku
From Geku
(by bus) take Mie Kotsu bas Route 51 or 55 or take the CAN bus (about 10 minutes)
From Kintetsu Uji-Yamada Station
(by bus) take Mie Kotsu bas Route 51 or 55 or take the CAN bus (about 5 minutes)