Ise Grand Shrine – A Journey to Visit Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine

May 20, 2025

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Ise Grand Shrine – A Journey to Visit Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine

The Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, with a history dating back around 2000 years. This shrine not only has deep connections to Japanese mythology and legends, but also serves as a significant spiritual sanctuary for the Japanese people. Here’s a detailed guide to the Ise Grand Shrine and the proper etiquette for visiting.

1.Ise Grand Shrine Introduction

1.1 Origin and Mythological Tales

At the heart of the Ise Grand Shrine lies the Inner Shrine (Kotaijingu), dedicated to the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family, Amaterasu Omikami. Legend has it that initially, Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined within the Imperial Palace. However, during the reign of Emperor Sujin, the tenth monarch, amidst a rampant epidemic, a decision was made to relocate the deity outside the palace for worship. Subsequently, Princess Yamatohime, the daughter of Emperor Suinin, scouted for an ideal location to house Amaterasu Omikami and ultimately established the Inner Shrine along the banks of the Isuzu River in Ise.

The Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu) was founded during the era of Emperor Yuryaku, around 500 years after the Inner Shrine. It primarily venerates Toyoke Omikami, the deity responsible for the nourishment of Amaterasu Omikami.

1.2 Historical Development and Systems

During the Nara period, the Ise Grand Shrine served as the central hub for national rituals and held a prestigious status where only the Emperor could perform ceremonies.
Emperor Tenmu established the Saigu system, and in the year 690 during the reign of Emperor Monmu, the tradition of Shikinen Sengu for the Inner Shrine began – every 20 years, the entire Ise Grand Shrine complex, including the main shrines and treasures, would be rebuilt and the deity’s spirit ceremoniously transferred to the new halls.
* The Saigu system was a practice from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, where unmarried female imperial family members were selected to serve at the Ise Grand Shrine in devotion to Amaterasu Omikami, praying for national peace and abundant harvests.

1.3 Present-day Ise Grand Shrine

The entire Ise Grand Shrine comprises the Inner Shrine, Outer Shrine, 14 detached shrines, 43 auxiliary shrine, 24 undershrine, and 42 other shrines, totaling 125 shrines. These shrines are mainly located in the area of Ise City, Mie Prefecture, attracting numerous visitors for pilgrimage every year.

The Ise Grand Shrine continues to uphold many ancient traditions, including the grand Shikinen Sengu ceremony held every 20 years and over 1,500 ritual events annually. As a significant cultural and spiritual symbol in Japan, the Ise Grand Shrine garners widespread reverence both domestically and internationally.

2.Ise Grand Shrine – Visitation Order

The Ise Grand Shrine consists of the Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu) and the Inner Shrine (Kotaijingu) as its main sanctuaries. Following ancient traditions, it is customary to visit the Outer Shrine before the Inner Shrine, adhering to the ceremonial order known as “Outer Shrine First Offering.”

Since antiquity, the visitation to the Ise Grand Shrine has followed a comprehensive ritual, commencing with the “Misogi purification ceremony at Futamiura,” proceeding through the visits to the Outer and Inner Shrines, and culminating in the visit to the “Asamayama Kongosho-ji Temple.” This traditional pilgrimage route is enshrined in the lyrics of the Ise Ondo. Here is a detailed account of this ancient and solemn visitation route.

Step1: Misogi Purification Ceremony at Futamiura and Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)

To begin your visit to the Ise Grand Shrine, you first head to Futamiura to partake in the Misogi purification ceremony at the Futami Okitama Shrine. This shrine venerates Sarutahiko Okami and is renowned for the sacred rock in the sea, known as the Okitama Shinseki, and the iconic Meoto Iwa, symbolizing marital harmony. In ancient times, worshippers would purify themselves with seawater here, but nowadays, the practice has evolved to include shrine visits or receiving the “Mikage-no-Harae” purification ritual.

Step2: Visit to the Outer and Inner Shrines of the Ise Grand Shrine

After completing the purification ceremony, proceed to visit the Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu) and the Inner Shrine (Kotaijingu) of the Ise Grand Shrine in order. The Outer Shrine venerates Toyoke Omikami, the deity of food and industry, while the Inner Shrine honors the ancestral deity of the imperial family, Amaterasu Omikami. The traditional route from the Outer Shrine to the Inner Shrine follows the ancient market street.

🚶‍♂️ Walking Etiquette and Torii Gate Protoco

Walk on the left side at the Outer Shrine.
Walk on the right side at the Inner Shrine.
The center of the approach is reserved for the passage of the deities, please avoid walking in that path.
Before and after passing through a Torii gate, pause, bow respectfully, and then proceed.

💧 Hand-Washing Ritual at the Temizuya

Hold the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand.
Switch hands, hold the ladle in your left hand, and wash your right hand.
Hold the ladle in your right hand again, take water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
Wash your left hand once more.
Finally, stand the ladle upright to cleanse it and place it back in its original position.

🙏 The formal ritual of worshiping the deity (Ni-rei, Ni-hakushu, Ichi-rei)

Stand in a dignified posture, gently bow.
Bend at the waist to a 90-degree angle for two deep bows (“Ni-rei”).
Clasp your hands together in front of your chest, slightly retract the right hand, clap twice (“Ni-hakushu”).
Conclude with another deep bow (“Ichi-rei”).

※Special Note: There are no offertory boxes at the Ise Grand Shrine, so there is no need

🎐 Other Important Etiquette Reminders

Maintain Silence: Please observe silence within the sacred precincts to avoid conversations.
Dress Code: Remove hats and wear clean, modest attire.
Visitation Order: When visiting the various shrines, it is customary to first pay respects at the main shrine before visiting the auxiliary shrines.
For detailed visitation procedures, you can refer to videos provided by the Ise Grand Shrine. >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHmPzl56IzM

Step 3: Worship at the Kongosho-ji Temple on Mount Asama.

After paying your respects at the Inner Shrine, the traditional custom is to visit the Kongosho-ji Temple on the summit of Mount Asama, roughly 553 meters above sea level. This temple is considered a crucial guardian temple of the Ise Grand Shrine’s Kimon (northeast direction) and is renowned as the “Inner Sanctuary of the Ise Grand Shrine.” Within the temple grounds stand stelae ranging from 2 to 8 meters in height, and the approach to the Inner Sanctuary exudes solemnity and reverence. The main deity enshrined at Kongosho-ji Temple is Fukujuju Manjukokuzo Bodhisattva, one of Japan’s three great Kongokai Bodhisattvas, attracting numerous worshippers.

After visiting Kongosho-ji Temple, you can proceed to the observation deck at the mountaintop, offering a panoramic view of Ise Bay. The summit features a 360-degree panoramic observation deck, providing a breathtaking vista of the beautiful landscapes of the Ise-Shima region. Additionally, there is a red mailbox known as the “Sky Postbox” at the mountaintop, where visitors can send commemorative postcards.

This series of steps, starting from the Misogi purification at Futamiura, proceeding to the Outer and Inner Shrines, and concluding with the pilgrimage to Kongosho-ji Temple on Mount Asama, continues to serve as a traditional pilgrimage route for many visitors to Ise. By purifying the body and mind and experiencing worship amidst nature and history, this traditional pilgrimage route offers a unique and special experience even in modern times.

3.To visit the Ise Grand Shrine (Outer Shrine)

Take the Kintetsu train to Kintetsu Ise-shi Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk or you can catch a bus at the bus stop in front of Ise-shi Station.

Kintetsu trains offer multiple routes connecting major cities like Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto, making it convenient to reach Ise-shi Station.

Departing from Nagoya: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Kintetsu Nagoya Station, and you’ll reach Ise-shi Station in about 80 minutes.
Departing from Osaka: Board the Kintetsu Limited Express train from Kintetsu Namba Station, and you’ll arrive at Ise-shi Station in approximately 2 hours.
Departing from Kyoto: Ride the Limited Express train from Kintetsu Kyoto Station, and you’ll reach Ise-shi Station in around 2 hours.
Please note that you’ll need to purchase a separate Limited Express ticket for the ride, and it’s recommended to reserve seats in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

Please be advised that you will need to purchase a separate Limited Express ticket when boarding the express train. It is also recommended to reserve seats in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

4.Taking a ride on the luxury sightseeing express train “Shimakaze”

Launched by Kintetsu Railway in 2013, the “Shimakaze” is designed specifically for visitors heading to the Ise-Shima region. The train’s blue, white, and gold color scheme symbolizes the ocean and starry skies of Ise-Shima, with a unique exterior featuring a multi-faceted glass front for expansive views.

Inside, the train offers luxurious amenities, including rows of three leather massage seats, Japanese and Western-style compartments, semi-open salon seating, and a double-decker café car serving local delicacies like Matsusaka beef curry and seafood udon. The “Shimakaze” departs daily from Osaka Namba, Kyoto, and Kintetsu Nagoya with one round trip each, traveling to Kashikojima and making stops at Ise-shi, Ujiyamada, and other stations along the way. Passengers are required to pay an additional fee for the special carriages, and reservations are recommended for certain seats.

Further reading：https://fromjapan.info/kintetsurailway-topics-about-shimakaze-sightseeing-limited-express/

Ise Grand Shrine is not only the most important sacred site in Shinto, but also the best place to experience Japanese traditional culture and spirituality. From the Misogi purification ritual at Futamiura, to the solemn visits to the Outer and Inner Shrines, and then the pilgrimage to Kongosho-ji Temple on Mount Asama, each step is filled with profound historical significance.

Whether you are interested in Japanese traditional culture or seeking a deeper travel experience, Ise Grand Shrine is a sacred place not to be missed. By following the ancient worship rituals and experiencing the purest form of Shinto culture, I believe it will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Kintetsu Railway Official Website

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