Each year six and a half million Japanese travel to the Shima Peninsula east of Osaka to visit what amounts to the Mecca of the native Shinto faith. The Isejingu, or Ise Shrine, is actually an enormous complex, including the Geku, or Outer Shrine, the Naiku, or Inner Shrine, and 123 smaller associated shrines. The two main shrines stand about six kilometers apart, linked by a pilgrimage route largely enclosed within the Ise-Shima National Park.
 The origins of the Shrine are unclear, though it’s fairly certain a shrine has been since at least the 4th century A.D. According to legend, the daughter of the Emperor Suinin departed Nara some 2,000 years ago in search of a permanent place to enshrine Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess and founder of the Imperial Family. When the girl reached Ise, she heard Amaterasu’s voice commending the pleasant, secluded country as a proper place for her worship. Thus the Inner Shrine was founded. The Outer Shrine was consecrated some centuries afterward, when the goddess of food and industry, Toyouke-Okami, was moved here to preside over daily offerings of food to Amaterasu.
Both Shrines are rebuilt every twenty years, with the next construction due in 2013. The distinctive architectural style, done entirely in Japanese cypress and devoid of any Chinese or Korean influences, is called Shinmeizukuri and is used only for the two principal Shrines at Ise.
Pilgrims approach the Naiku (Inner Shrine) via the Uji Bridge, a 100-meter wooden span across the Isuzu River. Along with the Shrines, the bridge is built anew every twenty years. After crossing, they turn right and pass a series of outer buildings, including among others a purification area, a prayer hall and the sacred fire over which all food offerings to Amaterasu are prepared. Finally, they reach the Kotaijingu, or Main Shrine. In addition to serving as the dwelling of the Sun Goddess, the Inner Shrine is believed to house the Sacred Mirror, an ancient and mysterious object that along with the Sword and the Jewel make up the Imperial Regalia of Japan. The Kotaijingu is surrounded by walls, with only the top of the Shrine visible to the public. Visitors cannot enter the Shrine, but approach the main gate to offer prayers. Foreign travelers should be aware that a ban on photography is strictly enforced in this area of the Shrine.
A trip to Ise is a wonderful addition to any trip to Japan. The importance of the Ise Shrines is such that there is a great deal more to be said than we have space for here. To have a better idea of what they’re seeing, visitors to the Shrines will be amply rewarded by doing some prior research. Both of the main Shrines also have excellent English language booklets on sale, well worth the modest expense and a good souvenir of your journey into the heart of the Shinto faith.
>>Access
1-banchi, Ujitachi-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Kyoto station===(2hrs 10min. by Kintetsu Express train)===
Uji-yamada station===(15min. by Kintetsu bus)===Isejingu Shrine
Nagoya station===(1hr 30min. by Kintetsu Express train)===
Uji-yamada station===(15min. by Kintestu bus)===Isejingu Shrine
>>Website
Isejingu Shrine Official Website
- Matt Mangham
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