JPN: Ise Shrine
[Geku]
279 Toyokawacho, Ise, Mie, Japan
Daily: 5.00am - 7.00pm
Regarded as the most sacred Shinto shrine in the Land of the Rising Sun, Ise Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and Toyouke-hime, the goddess of the sun and agriculture respectively. Said to have been established in 4 BC, it comprises two main sections: Geku (lit. Outer Shrine) and Naiku (lit. Inner Shrine).
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JPN: Ise Shrine <YOU ARE HERE!>
JPN: Flight of Dreams
JPN: Chubu Centrair International Airport
JPN: All Nippon Airways NH494 (Economy)
JPN: All Nippon Airways NH833 (Business)
VIE: Le Saigon Hotel
VIE: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
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SIN: Singapore Airlines SQ177 (Business)
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Located about 500 m from Ise-shi station, Geku is a short and pleasant walk away.
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| No ladles were seen at the water ablution pavilion. |
At the entrance to the grounds of Geku, visitors are greeted by a serene pond that mirrors the surrounding greenery.
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| Sengukan Museum gives an insight into the tradition of rebuilding the shrine every 20 years. |
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| The sights of flowers swaying gently in the breeze set a calming tone. |
The path that leads to deeper into the complex is flanked by towering trees and verdant foliage, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.
With its simple, unadorned elegance—unlike the more elaborate shrines elsewhere—the main sanctuary enshrines Toyouke-hime. Photography is strictly prohibited beyond its torii (Shinto shrine gate).
As I continued to wander through the grounds, I discovered some smaller shrines.
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| Both Geku and Naiku comprise a total of more than 100 shrines of various sizes altogether. |
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| Finding peace and tranquility, side by side~ |
[Naiku]
1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie, Japan
Daily: 5.00am - 7.00pm
After having lunch at the lively Okage Yokocho, I headed over to Naiku.
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| Enter the grounds of Naiku through a large unpainted torii, then cross the bridge that spans Isuzu River. |
An array of pots of flowers welcome visitors with a cheerful splash of colours.
The grounds of Naiku are more expansive, which means a fair bit of walking before you get to see the shrines.
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| Visitors can also cleanse themselves using the sacred water of the Izusu River. |
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| That's an example of one of the smallest auxiliary shrines scattered throughout the complex. |
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| Aramatsuri no Miya is said to be the most important auxiliary shrines in Naiku. |
The main sanctuary, which is surrounded by multiple sets of fences, sits atop a flight of stairs. Visitors are only allowed to pass beyond the outermost, and once again, photography is a definite no-no.
The visit did leave a lasting sense of calm and reverence.
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| There's a modern hall used for ceremonies. |
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| Sacred space or pebbles? |
The blend of serene forest, solemn architecture and centuries-old traditions makes it clear why this place is so revered.
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