Ise Grand Shrine

Shrine

Prefecture

Mie

Type

Shrine

N/A

0 reviews

Train Access

About This Destination

Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, rebuilt every 20 years in an ancient tradition.

Ise Jingu is the most sacred shrine in Japan's Shinto religion, dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess and mythical ancestress of the Imperial family. The shrine complex comprises two main sanctuaries: the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and the Outer Shrine (Geku), along with 125 subsidiary shrines spread across the forested hills of Ise. In a tradition spanning nearly 2,000 years, the shrine buildings are completely rebuilt every 20 years in a ceremony called Shikinen Sengu, most recently in 2013. The Inner Shrine, set deep within an ancient cypress forest along the Isuzu River, exudes an extraordinary sense of spiritual purity. While visitors cannot see the main sanctuary beyond the silk curtains, the atmosphere of reverence and natural beauty is deeply moving.

Location

Prefecture: Mie

Address: Ise, Mie, Japan

Nearest Station: Isuzugawa

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining within the shrine grounds. Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho streets near the Inner Shrine entrance offer Ise udon, tekone-zushi (marinated bonito sushi), akafuku mochi (red bean rice cakes), and grilled Matsusaka beef skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I visit the Outer Shrine (Geku) or the Inner Shrine (Naiku) first?

Geku first, then Naiku, the traditional order observed for centuries (Geku-Sanpai). Geku, dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami (food/agriculture), is closest to JR Iseshi Station (5-minute walk); Naiku, dedicated to Amaterasu, is 4 km south and reached by bus #51 or #55 from Geku-mae. Plan 2 hours per shrine plus 20-minute bus transfer between them. Both are free to enter. Both have a 30-min minimum and a 2-hour generous visit, and Naiku rewards more time because of Oharaimachi and Okage-yokocho food streets right at its gate.

What is Shikinen Sengu and when is the next rebuilding?

Shikinen Sengu is the ritual rebuilding of both Naiku and Geku, every 20 years for ~1,300 years. The entire main sanctuaries are dismantled and recreated identically on adjacent reserved sites using traditional joinery, no nails. Costs around ¥55 billion. The 62nd Sengu was in 2013; the 63rd Sengu is scheduled for **2033**. In the years immediately before each Sengu, special ceremonies and the new construction site (cordoned off but visible) can be seen. Visiting in a Sengu year itself is extremely crowded, so leave a buffer day if you must go.

How do I get to Ise Grand Shrine from Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya?

From Tokyo: Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (1h40m), transfer to Kintetsu Limited Express to Iseshi or Ujiyamada (1h30m, ~¥3,000), about 3.5 hours total. From Osaka: Kintetsu Limited Express (Shimakaze or regular ltd. exp.) from Osaka-Namba direct to Ujiyamada in 1h45m (~¥3,300). From Nagoya: Kintetsu direct in 80 minutes. JR Pass works to Nagoya but NOT on Kintetsu, so non-JR-Pass holders can use the Kintetsu Rail Pass instead. From Ujiyamada or Iseshi station, walk 5 min to Geku, then bus to Naiku.

Nearby Destinations

🎯

Okage Yokocho 80m

🗼

Meoto Iwa 8.2km

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