Izanami-gū Shrine

Overview

Izanami-gū Shrine is a subordinate shrine of Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Amaterasu-ōmikami. Located in Kaminogo, Isobe-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, it's considered one of the most sacred places within the Ise Grand Shrine complex, long cherished as the "spiritual home of the Japanese people". Izanami-gū Shrine is enveloped in a quiet and solemn atmosphere, a particularly sacred place within the Ise Grand Shrine complex. The extensive sacred rice paddy within the grounds hosts the Otaue-shiki (御田植式) rice-planting festival every June, a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. This ceremony, dedicated to the rice harvest offered to Ise Grand Shrine, preserves ancient traditions. It is said that Izanami-gū Shrine was one of the locations considered for Amaterasu-ōmikami's original enshrinement. Indeed, its proximity to the sea provided easy access to fresh seafood, while the abundant sunlight ensured excellent crop yields. Even today, rice for Ise Grand Shrine is still cultivated in the adjacent "Isobe's sacred rice paddy". In the tranquil atmosphere of Izanami-gū Shrine, you can experience the ancient history and sacred aura. This is a must-visit location for anyone traveling to Ise Grand Shrine. Access to Izanami-gū Shrine is approximately 30 minutes by car from Ise IC on the Ise Expressway. Parking is free. Izanami-gū Shrine is a sacred place enveloped in a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. If you want to experience the ancient history and sacred aura, be sure to visit.