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!
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）
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.
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!
Route to Uji Yamada Station.
From Tokyo: There are several ways to get there, but here is one recommended route:
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:
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.
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 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), there is one main shrine (Honden) and two auxiliary shrines (Betsugu).
After paying your respects at the main shrine, if you have time, take a little stroll around Naiku!
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!
Naiku (Inner Shrine)
Note that this information is accurate as of October 14, 2024.
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