Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary) — Attraction in Ise

Ise Jingu: A Sacred Sanctuary of Timeless Spirituality

Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) is not just a shrine—it’s a living embodiment of Japan’s spiritual heart, where nature, tradition, and divinity intertwine in perfect harmony. As the most sacred Shinto site in Japan, dedicated to Amaterasu-ōmikami (the Sun Goddess), it offers an unparalleled experience of serenity, reverence, and connection to the eternal. Here’s why it deserves a flawless 5-star review for its profound spiritual essence:

A Divine Link to Japan’s Soul Ise Jingu is said to house the Yata no Kagami (Sacred Mirror), one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, symbolizing Amaterasu’s presence. Pilgrims have visited for over 2,000 years, believing the shrine to be a direct bridge between humanity and the kami (gods). The atmosphere hums with an indescribable purity—every step along the forested paths feels like walking through a sacred dream.

The Ritual of Rebirth: Shikinen Sengū Every 20 years, the shrine’s inner and outer sanctuaries (Naikū and Gekū) are completely rebuilt in an ancient ritual called Shikinen Sengū. This practice, unchanged since 690 AD, reflects the Shinto belief in renewal, impermanence (mono no aware), and the cyclical nature of life. Witnessing this tradition—or even knowing it exists—adds a deep, metaphysical dimension to the visit, reminding us that divinity is eternal, even as its forms change.

Nature as Sacred Architecture Unlike grand temples adorned with gold, Ise Jingu’s beauty lies in its simplicity and harmony with nature. The shrine’s cypress wood structures, thatched roofs, and unpainted timber follow Yuitsu-Shinmei-zukuri, a style reserved only for Ise. The surrounding ancient cedar forests are considered part of the shrine itself, with the Isuzu River acting as a purifying boundary. The act of crossing the Uji Bridge symbolizes leaving the mundane world behind.

A Pilgrimage of Purification Visiting Ise Jingu is a spiritual cleanse. Before approaching the inner shrine, pilgrims perform misogi (ritual purification) at the river, washing hands and mouth to purify body and mind. The act of bowing, clapping, and offering a prayer (norito) at the main hall is a moment of profound stillness—where time seems to pause, and the kami feel palpably near.

The Energy of Ujiyamada & Oharai-machi The surrounding town, Ujiyamada, and the Oharai-machi district leading to the shrine, are extensions of its sacred energy. Traditional shops serve akafuku mochi (red bean rice cakes), said to be blessed by the gods, while local craftsmen create omamori (charms) infused with Ise’s spiritual power. Even the air here feels different—lighter, clearer, as if touched by the divine.

Final Verdict Ise Jingu is more than a destination; it’s a soul experience. Whether you’re drawn by Shinto mysticism, the hypnotic chants of priests, or the whispering forest that seems to breathe with the kami, this shrine transcends time. For those seeking a place where heaven and earth meet, Ise Jingu is nothing short...

Strolling through Oharaimachi, you inevitably end up in front of the bridge that leads into Ise Grand Shrine. You bow once to the Torii, standing at one side of the path (the center is reserved for gods and spirits), then you cross the bridge and venture into the temple complex. The ground is covered with fine gravel, the sides of the broad path are lined with thick trees that seem to have seen multiple centuries. You find a few ponds with Koi, a few neatly crafted wooden buildings, and your everyday worries seem to fall off of you with every step you take. Going deeper inside, you hear less and less of the world you have left behind. Most things now are covered with moss. Finally, you hear only the birds softly chirping, and the gravel crunching underneath your shoes as you reach massive stone stairs covered with moss. Walking up the stairs, you reach the Grand Shrine, where photography is not permitted. You express your respect by bowing to the Torii, and then you enter. You behold a massive wooden gate with a fence on both sides. The shrine you can only see faintly through a white veil. Mortal eyes shall not behold that which enshrines the emperor's mirror, one of the three items necessary for the crowning rituals. You bow once, make your offering. You bow twice, deeply, clap twice, and send a prayer to the spirit of what is - and was - the ancient Japanese imperial dynasty. And the spirit of it's people. You spend a few - or even many - moments just taking in the beauty and calm that emanates from everywhere within this place. When you are finished, you bow once more, turn, and leave. Don't forget to bow in front of the Torii when leaving again. And cherish this memory from then on.

If you enjoyed Ise, visit Mount Koya and its Daishi Monument. Be sure to practice your Buddhist praying...

This is one of Ise Grand Shrine's two main shrines. It is said to have been founded approximately 2,000 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Suinin, when Yamatohime-no-Mikoto, upon receiving a revelation from Amaterasu Omikami, built a shrine on the banks of the Isuzu River. The main deity enshrined is Amaterasu Omikami (Amaterasu Omikami), the ancestral deity of the Imperial family and the chief guardian deity of the Japanese people, responsible for protecting the nation.

The lush green grounds that spread out beyond the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River are truly sacred grounds. The atmosphere is pure and solemn, yet somehow evocative of nostalgia, creating a mysterious feeling.

At any shrine, it is customary to purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water purification fountain) before praying. At the Naiku, you can also purify yourself at the temizuya (water purification fountain) in the Isuzu River that flows through the grounds, so we recommend heading there first. Photography is prohibited inside the Main Shrine, so it's best to take in the sight and quietly offer your daily gratitude and prayers. Within the grounds are also two branch shrines, Aramatsuri-no-miya and Kazehiki-no-miya. Both are beautiful shrines that embody Shinto's harmony with nature, so we recommend visiting them together.

In addition, within Ise City, there is another main shrine, Geku (Toyouke Daijingu). It is customary to visit the Geku first, then the Naiku when making a pilgrimage to Ise, so please keep this in mind if you are planning your trip.

■Reservations: Not required

■Admission: Free entry to the grounds

■Access: 1-minute walk from the "Naiku-mae" bus stop on the Mie...