Kōtaijingu (Ise Grand Shrine, Inner Shrine)

Overview

Ise Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most representative shrines and holds the most significant position in Shinto. It has been revered by the people as the "spiritual heart of Japan" since ancient times. Naiku, the Inner Shrine, is a sacred place enshrining Amaterasu-ōmikami, and is filled with the tranquil atmosphere of a forest and river. The Shikinen Sengū, a ritualistic reconstruction held every 20 years, symbolizes the people's reverence for the deity and the continuation of traditional culture. The foundations of past shrine buildings remain in the former sacred grounds, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history. The Uji Bridge, a symbol of Naiku, is revered by many as a sacred bridge crossing the pure waters of the Isuzu River. Crossing the bridge, the main shrine where Amaterasu-ōmikami is enshrined appears before you, overwhelming you with its majestic atmosphere. Various other shrine buildings, each with its own meaning and role, including the Kaguraden (sacred music hall), the Gakkyū (music hall), and the Kagura-suzune-sha (bell house), are scattered around the main shrine. The Naiku precinct is filled with a sacred forest, creating a comforting space with the rustling of trees and the murmuring of the river. Visitors can spend time enveloped in the sacred atmosphere, feeling cleansed in both mind and body. Ise Grand Shrine Naiku is an irreplaceable place for those seeking to touch Japanese history and culture, and find peace of mind.