Naiku（Inner Shrine） – Where Japan’s History Lives On

The Shrines of Ise are generally known as Ise Jingu. Officially, they are referred to simply as “Jingu.” This collective term encompasses a total of 125 shrines, the most famous of which is Naiku (Inner Shrine). Naiku enshrines the deity Amaterasu Omikami, who holds the highest position in Japanese mythology and is also regarded as the ancestral deity of the imperial family. This background contributes to Naiku’s high status and reverence.

Near the purification pavilion (chōzuya) at Naiku flows a river of remarkable beauty. Since this river lies along the path to the main sanctuary, we encourage you to pause and take in the view.

Outside the grounds of Naiku, you’ll find the lively streets of Oharaimachi and Okage Yokocho. When visiting Naiku, we highly recommend allowing ample time to enjoy everything these bustling areas have to offer!

Table of Contents

How to Get There

Getting to Naiku (Inner Shrine) from the Nearest Station

The proper pilgrimage order is to visit Geku (Outer Shrine) first, followed by Naiku (Inner Shrine). However, due to time constraints, many travelers choose to visit Naiku only. Here, we will introduce two direct routes to Naiku.

For those who wish to follow the route from Geku to Naiku, please refer to this article.

Address: 1 Ujitachicho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture（Google Maps）

Route 1

Nearest Station: Kintetsu Isuzugawa Station
Directions from the Nearest Station: Approximately 10 minutes by bus (board at Isuzugawa Station front bus stop and get off at Naiku-mae bus stop) or about 30 minutes on foot.

Isuzugawa Station is within walking distance, so you might consider taking the bus to Naiku and walking back for a different experience.

You can take any of the following buses: the Naiku-mae bound bus, the express bus to Naiku-mae, or the bus to Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island.

Route 2

Nearest Station: Kintetsu Uji Yamada Station
Directions from the Nearest Station: Approximately 20 minutes by bus (board at Uji Yamada Station front bus stop and get off at Naiku-mae bus stop).

Walking from Uji Yamada Station may be difficult, so it’s best to take the bus. Uji Yamada Station is adjacent to Isuzugawa Station, and its station building is registered as a tangible cultural property by the government, making it worth a visit even if just to see it!

Please board at bus stop 1. When you exit the station, you’ll see the bus rotary right in front of you.

You can take one of the following buses to Naiku-mae or Toba Aquarium: #51, #55, #01, or #07.

Getting to Naiku (Inner Shrine) from Tokyo and Osaka

Route to Uji Yamada Station.

From Tokyo: There are several ways to get there, but here is one recommended route:

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).
From Nagoya Station, board the JR Rapid Mie to Matsusaka Station (approximately 65–70 minutes).
Transfer to the Kintetsu Limited Express and get off at Uji Yamada Station (approximately 16 minutes).
- If you take a local train, the journey to Uji Yamada Station will take about 35 minutes.
- Note that you can use a regular fare ticket for the limited express.

This route, including the reserved seat fee for the Shinkansen, costs approximately 12,870 yen. Other routes are generally around 13,000 yen.

From Osaka:

Take the Midosuji Subway Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Namba Station (approximately 15 minutes).
Transfer to the Kintetsu Osaka Namba Station (a short walk of about 1-2 minutes) and take the Limited Express “Vista Car” directly to Uji Yamada Station (approximately 110 minutes).

The Vista Car requires a special ticket in addition to a regular fare ticket. In Japan, you need both a regular fare ticket and a limited express ticket, and the following price is for the limited express ticket only. You can purchase a regular fare ticket from the ticket vending machines at the station, available at Osaka Namba Station.

▼ Kintetsu Limited Express ticket purchase English site
https://www.ticket.kintetsu.co.jp/vs/en/T/TZZ/TZZ10.do?op=tDisplayVisitorMenu

If you’re unsure, you can also buy both the limited express ticket and the regular fare ticket together at the ticket center at Osaka Namba Station.

The total cost from Shin-Osaka to Uji Yamada Station, including the limited express fare, is approximately 3,800 yen.

What is Naiku (Inner Shrine)?

History of Naiku (Inner Shrine)

The Naiku (officially known as Kōtaijingu) of Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, and is revered as the ancestral deity of the Imperial family. According to tradition, during the reign of the 11th Emperor Suinin, the imperial princess Yamato-hime no Mikoto sought a location for the enshrinement of Amaterasu Omikami and chose the present site in Ise around the 1st century AD, approximately 2,000 years ago.

Shikinen Sengu (式年遷宮)

Shikinen Sengu is the practice of renewing the shrine buildings to keep the dwelling of the gods in a pure and fresh state, thereby revitalizing their divine power. This event also plays a crucial role in passing on traditional techniques among shrine carpenters and craftsmen, emphasizing the importance of preserving Japanese culture and craftsmanship for future generations. The first Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu is said to have taken place in 690 AD, and since then, it has been conducted approximately every 20 years. The next Shikinen Sengu will occur in 2033, during which not only the main shrines of Naiku and Geku but also 14 auxiliary shrines and Uji Bridge will be rebuilt. The 62nd Shikinen Sengu concluded in 2013, and the budget for the upcoming 63rd Shikinen Sengu is projected to be 55.8 billion yen. As the amount suggests, it is a grand ceremony!
※Shikinen Sengu also takes place at other shrines, with the years of occurrence varying by shrine.

Inside Naiku (Inner Shrine)

Inside Naiku (Inner Shrine), there is one main shrine (Honden) and two auxiliary shrines (Betsugu).

At the entrance, step to either side, bow, and then pass through the Torii gate.

After passing through the Torii gate, cross the bridge. Please note that the traffic on this bridge is on the right side.

It may be difficult to see in the photos due to the reflection of light, but it is a very beautiful river.

After crossing the bridge, continue along the well-maintained path. The trees are beautiful.

There are sake barrels present. Sake is considered essential for Shinto rituals, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest and a prayer for abundant crops.

After walking for a while, you will come to the second Torii gate. In front of the right side of the gate, there is a chōzuya (purification fountain).

After passing through the Torii gate, you will find a river right ahead. Please purify your hands either at the chōzuya (purification fountain) or in this river. However, entering the river is prohibited, so please only cleanse your hands.

As mentioned at the beginning, this river is incredibly beautiful. It is the same river you saw when crossing the entrance bridge. The water is highly transparent, allowing you to see the large stones at the bottom clearly.

After passing through the Torii gate, you will find more people. Here, you can purchase amulets and other items.

Let’s continue along the path surrounded by trees. We’re almost at the main shrine!

You have arrived at the main shrine. Photography is prohibited beyond this Torii gate. Please prepare some coins for your offering as you pay your respects! The proper way to worship is two bows, two claps, and one bow.

Next to the main shrine, there is a site for the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding) ceremony.

After paying your respects at the main shrine, if you have time, take a little stroll around Naiku!

You can enjoy a pleasant walk surrounded by plenty of greenery wherever you go.

One of the auxiliary shrines is the Ara-matsuri Shrine.

There is a rest area, so if you get tired from walking, feel free to take a break. It’s free of charge.

Inside the rest area, there are chairs and water available. This water is free of charge.

Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho

On the way to the entrance of Naiku, you will pass through Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho. This street is lined with numerous restaurants and souvenir shops.

It is recommended to enjoy Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho after your visit to the main shrine. This is because you might spend so much time having fun that you may not have enough time left to pay your respects at Naiku!

Hours and Fees

Naiku (Inner Shrine)

Hours of Operation:
- January, February, March, April, September: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- May, June, July, August: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- October, November, December: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Paid parking is available. For example, the first hour is free. From 1 to 2 hours, the fee is 500 yen, and after 2 hours, 100 yen is charged for every additional 30 minutes. (Note: It may be full. In that case, there are many paid parking options nearby.)
Admission Fee: Free

Note that this information is accurate as of October 14, 2024.