basic information

The Ise Jingu consists of two shrines: the Outer Shrine (Geku), which is dedicated to Toyouke, the kami of clothing, food and housing, and the Inner Shrine (Naiku), which enshrines Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. They are Shinto's most sacred shrines.

Naiku and Geku are located several kilometers apart from each other at the foot of densely wooded hills. Unlike most other Shinto shrines, the Ise Shrines are built in a purely Japanese architecture style which shows no influence from the Asian mainland. Naiku is believed to have been established in the 3rd century and Geku in the 5th century.

The shrines fascinate through their extreme simplicity. There is nothing but green trees, broad gravel lanes and the wooden, barely painted shrine structures.

Isuzu River in the Inner Shrine

Uji Bridge, entrance to the Inner Shrine

The Naiku and Geku are both rebuilt every 20 years according to an ancient Shinto tradition. For that matter, an empty lot is located besides every shrine building as the site for its next rebuilding. Ise Shrine's 62nd rebuilding will take place in 2013.

Because the Ise Shrines are so sacred, no pictures may be taken near their main halls, a task that would be difficult anyway, as the view of the innermost buildings is partially obstructed by a set of wooden fences.

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how to get there

The Outer Shrine is located in central Ise, about a 5 minute walk from Ise-shi Station, while the Inner Shrine stands several kilometers outside of the city center. The Inner Shrine can be reached by bus from Ise-shi Station or the Outer Shrine in about 15 minutes and 410 yen.

Both shrines can also be accessed by the CAN bus, which provides direct connections between the shrines, Ise-shi Station, Edo Wonderland, the Meoto Iwa Rocks and Toba.

A one day pass for the CAN bus costs 1000 yen and provides unlimited rides on the bus, as well as discounts on admission to various attractions. A two day pass is available for 1600 yen.

How to get to and around the Shima Peninsula

travel community

Users who have been to Ise Shima: 159
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1st of 8 most visited sights in Ise Shima.
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hotels & ryokan

Japanese Hotel Ohishiya Situated in front of the famous Meoto-iwa Rock. Offering a full ocean view. Ise Shrine and Mikimoto Pearl Island nearby.

tours and packages

Ise Shima Tours Various tours and travel packages for Ise and surroundings.

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