The Inner Shrine (Naiku) is dedicated to Shinto's most important god, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. As such, it is considered Japan's most sacred shrine. It fascinates through its simplicity, featuring little more than gravel-covered walkways and wooden, barely painted shrine structures, surrounded by a serene forest.

The Outer Shrine (Geku) is dedicated to the goddess of food, clothing and housing, Toyouke. On the grounds stands the interesting Sengukan Museum which displays a 1:1 scale model of a quarter of the Inner Shrine's main building.

Oharaimachi is the traditional approach to the Inner Shrine. Catering to a constant stream of pilgrims, the road is lined by many traditional style buildings that house shops and restaurants. Halfway down the road is Okage Yokocho, a small district which recreates a townscape of past centuries.