Ise Grand Shrine: Japan's Most Sacred Shrine, Rebuilt Every 20 Years
How to visit Ise Jingu, the holiest Shinto shrine in Japan: the Inner and Outer Shrines, the 20-year rebuilding, the old pilgrim streets and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a vast shrine complex in Mie Prefecture, centred on the Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine.
- Famous for: being dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and rebuilt every 20 years.
- Entry: free to visit.
- Time needed: half a day for both main shrines and the pilgrim streets.
- Best time: early morning, when the gravel paths through the forest are quiet.
For centuries, Japanese pilgrims have dreamed of making the journey to Ise at least once in their lives. Its shrines are simple, made of plain cypress and thatch, yet they are the most sacred places in Shinto.
Why Ise Grand Shrine is a wonder
The Inner Shrine, Naiku, is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the imperial family. The Outer Shrine, Geku, honours Toyouke, the goddess of food, clothing and shelter.
Every 20 years, in a ceremony called Shikinen Sengu, the main sanctuaries are rebuilt from fresh cypress on a neighbouring plot. The last rebuilding was in 2013, and the next is planned for 2033, with preparations already under way.
Crossing into the sacred
At the Inner Shrine, you cross the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River, leaving the everyday world behind. Further on, pilgrims rinse their hands in the clear river water.
The main sanctuaries are hidden behind wooden fences, and only the imperial family and priests may enter. Visitors pray at the outer gate, which makes the experience feel all the more mysterious.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Geku (Outer Shrine) | Traditionally the first stop, in a tall cedar forest | 45 minutes |
| Uji Bridge | The wooden bridge leading into the Inner Shrine | 10 minutes |
| Naiku (Inner Shrine) | The most sacred sanctuary, dedicated to Amaterasu | 1.5 hours |
| Oharaimachi | An old pilgrim street of wooden shops and restaurants | 45 minutes |
| Okage Yokocho | A lane of rebuilt Edo era buildings and street food | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: the shrines open at dawn and feel most peaceful before the tour buses arrive.
- New Year: huge crowds come for the first shrine visit of the year.
- Autumn: cool weather and colourful leaves around the Isuzu River.
- Weekdays: noticeably quieter than weekends and holidays.
Our tip: Follow tradition and visit the Outer Shrine first, then take the bus to the Inner Shrine. Finish with akafuku, a soft rice cake topped with sweet red bean, on Oharaimachi.
Getting there
- From Osaka: Kintetsu limited express trains reach Ise-shi or Ujiyamada stations in under 2 hours.
- From Nagoya: Kintetsu or JR trains take around 1.5 hours.
- Between shrines: frequent buses link the Outer Shrine and the Inner Shrine in about 15 minutes.
Shrine etiquette
- Bow before passing under each torii and keep to the side of the path.
- Photography is not allowed at the main sanctuaries, so put cameras away at the steps.
- Rinse your hands before approaching the sanctuaries.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low inside the shrine grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ise Grand Shrine free?
Yes. There is no fee to visit the Inner and Outer Shrines.
Why is Ise Jingu rebuilt every 20 years?
The Shikinen Sengu renews the shrine and passes building skills to the next generation. The next rebuilding is planned for 2033.
Can you take photos at Ise Grand Shrine?
Yes in most of the grounds, but not at the main sanctuaries.
Which shrine should you visit first?
By tradition, the Outer Shrine (Geku) first, then the Inner Shrine (Naiku).
Amanohashidate
A long ribbon of pine trees stretching across a bay like a bridge in the sky.
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