Ise Jingu
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Why go
- The Uji Bridge, a 100-metre wooden bridge over the Isuzu River at the entrance of Naikū, rebuilt every 20 years.
- Gekū, the Outer Shrine, dedicated to Toyouke, the food goddess.
- Ornamental walkways from the Meiji period, in the forest that visitors may roam.
- The museums and library on Kurata mountain, between the two main shrines, including an art museum opened in 1993.
Opening hours
Today05:00 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- Naikū, the Inner ShrineThe main shrine of Amaterasu, closed to the public and seen from a distance behind high fences.Uji-tachi district
- TemizushaVisitors wash their hands and rinse their mouths here to purify themselves.Inside the shrine grounds
- Kaguraden hallOpen to the public for individual prayers, donations, talismans and amulets.Inside the shrine grounds
- Imibiyaden hallKeeps the sacred fire used to cook all food offerings to the kami.Inside the shrine grounds
- Special prayer hallOpen to the public, just past the second torii gate.Past the second torii gate
Know before you go
- Open every day from 05:00 to 17:00.
- Photography is prohibited in the main shrine area, and the ban is strictly enforced.
- Access is regulated: visitors can see only part of the shrines.
- The public may not go beyond sight of the thatched roofs, behind tall wooden fences.
- Visitors keep to the sides of the path, because the middle is reserved for the goddess Amaterasu.
Tips for your visit
- Pilgrims traditionally visit the Outer Shrine, Gekū, first, then the Inner Shrine, Naikū.
- The two main shrines are about four kilometres apart.
- The main route in is the Daiichi-torii-guchi sandō, which starts at the Hiyokebashi bridge entrance.
- The pilgrimage road links the two main shrines through the old district of Furuichi.
Best time to visit
- Spring: the Okihiki Festival drags huge wooden logs through the streets to Naikū and Gekū.
- October: the Kannamesai Festival offers the season's first harvest to Amaterasu.
- Every morning and evening: the Higoto-Asayu-Omikesai food-offering rite is held.
Interesting facts6
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The river Isuzu's name means fifty bells.
Ise Shrine - Wikipedia -
The chief priest or priestess must be related to the Imperial House of Japan.
Ise Shrine - Wikipedia -
The buildings follow yuitsu-shinmei-zukuri, a style no other shrine is allowed to use.
Ise Shrine - Wikipedia -
5,500 hectares
The inner shrine lies in a hilly area of about 5,500 hectares, almost all wooded.
Ise-jingū - Wikipedia -
1926
About 3,500 hectares of hinoki cypress were planted in 1926 to supply timber for the rebuilds.
Ise-jingū - Wikipedia -
Old timber from each rebuild is sent across Japan or sold to pilgrims.
Sanctuaire d'Ise - Wikipedia
History
From the late 7th to the 14th century, an imperial princess, the Saiō, served as high priestess. In the Edo period, pilgrimage grew large. About one in ten Japanese people made the Okage mairi pilgrimage.
- 4 BCTradition gives this as the founding date of the shrine.
- 678–686Emperor Tenmu has the first shrine building at Naikū erected.
- Late 7th centuryEmpress Jitō holds the first ceremonial rebuilding.
- 14th centuryThe Saiō, an imperial princess, serves as high priestess until this time.
- 16253.62 million people visit the shrine over 50 days.
Show all
- 2013The 62nd rebuilding, the shikinen-sengū, is completed.
- 2033The next rebuilding is due, on the lower northern site.
Sources: Ise Shrine - Wikipedia · Ise-jingū - Wikipedia · Sanctuaire d'Ise - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
What are the opening hours of Ise Jingu?
Ise Jingu is open every day from 05:00 to 17:00. Access is regulated, so visitors can see only part of the shrines.
In which order should I visit the shrines at Ise Jingu?
Pilgrims traditionally visit the Outer Shrine, Gekū, first, then the Inner Shrine, Naikū. The two main shrines are about four kilometres apart.
How do I get to Ise Jingu?
Ise Jingu stands in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture. The main route in is the Daiichi-torii-guchi sandō, which starts at the Hiyokebashi bridge entrance.
Can I take photos at Ise Jingu?
Photography is prohibited in the main shrine area, and the ban is strictly enforced. Visitors keep to the sides of the path, because the middle is reserved for Amaterasu.
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