Museums
The Grand Ise Jingu
Chris GlennThe Grand Shrine of Ise comprises two separate shrines, the Naiku and Geku. From ancient times, worshippers would visit the Geku..
Ise Jingu
Located in Mie Prefecture, the Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess. Supposedly, the shrine or “Jingu” as it is commonly called, is home to the Sacred Mirror; this mirror was the one that drew Amaterasu from hiding and brought light back to the world. In reality, Ise Jingu is a complex of shrines centered around two main shrines, Naiku and Geku.
The inner shrine is Naiku, said to be where Amaterasu dwells even today. Whereas the outer shrine, Geku, is located about six kilometers from Naiku and dedicated to Toyouke-Omikami, the god of agriculture, rice, and harvest. There are an additional 123 shrines in Ise City surrounding both Naiku and Geku. The shrine buildings at Naiku and Geku are rebuilt every 20 years based upon a Shinto belief of death and renewal.
The shrine was established in 4 BCE when Princess Yamatohime no Mikoto wandered for twenty years looking for a place to worship the sun goddess. Upon arriving in Ise, Yamatohime received a message from Amaterasu saying that this was the land where she wished to reside. Today, only a person of the royal lineage may be the high priest or priestess of Ise Jingu.
Overview
Address
1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie 516-0023 (Map) (Directions)Hours
5:00 - 18:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
5:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
5:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
5:00 - 18:00
Thursday
5:00 - 18:00
Friday
5:00 - 18:00
Saturday
5:00 - 18:00
Sunday
5:00 - 18:00
Holidays
5:00 - 18:00
Phone Number
0596-24-1111Website
Highlights
Okage Yokocho
Hidden in Oharai, a small town near Ise Jingu, the Okage Yokocho (gratitude side street) opened in 1993. Here, the buildings are constructed in reverence to the gods of the Shinto shrines of Ise. You’ll find souvenir shops and restaurants aplenty along this old-fashioned side street—it’s open daily from 9:30 to 5:30 pm.
General Amenities
- Information Counter
- Free guides/pamphlets
Access
The inner and outer shrines are some 6 kilometers apart, therefore it's recommended that you visit by bus. Buses depart from Ujiyamada and Iseshi stations.
Related Articles
8 articles
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Temples & Shrines
A Day at Ise Jingu
Benjamin StockA collection of photos from Ise Jingu during the busy New Year's season
8
Temples & Shrines
The Holy Shinto Shrine Ise Jingu
Masato KitamuraIse Jingu in Ise City is the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan. Last year (2013) the famous Shikinen Sengu ceremony was held again,..
Historical
Welcome the New Year at Ise Jingu
Dan TraylorAfter the countdown, make way for hatsumode — the first shrine visit of the new year — at the Ise Grand Shrine
Ise Jingu, Geku
Tomoko KamishimaOne of the main shrines of the Ise Jingu Complex, Geku, has enshrined the god of food, clothing and shelter since 1500 years ago
Culture
The Grandness of Ise Jingu
Arlene BastionGeku and Naiku shine at Ise Jingu because they are full of myth, history, mystique, and are a long lasting testament to faith. Both..
Ise Jingu, Naiku
Tomoko KamishimaIse Jingu's Naiku enshrines the God of the Sun. It is the ancestor God of the Emperor, and the ancestor God of all Japanese!
Culture
Ise Grand Shrine
Gary LuscombeDedicated to Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun, Ise Jingu is the most sacred Shinto Shrine in Japan. Set within an ancient forest, pilgrims..
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