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Kotohoku-gu (Ise Jingu Naiku)
〒516-0023 三重県伊勢市宇治館町１
Located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, this is the main shrine of Ise Jingu, enshrining Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial House and the collective patron deity of the Japanese people. According to the Nihon Shoki, the spirit of Amaterasu-Omikami was originally enshrined in the imperial palace. During the reign of Emperor Suinin, the princess Yamato-hime-miko toured various provinces seeking a suitable location for the shrine, and it was established on the banks of the Ise River in the 26th year of Emperor Suinin's reign. With a history spanning approximately 2,000 years, it has received deep reverence from the imperial court as the highest-ranking shrine enshrining the Imperial ancestor. Since the medieval period, visits by commoners have expanded through the activities of Ise-kou (pilgrimage groups) and Oshi (shrine guides), leading to the saying 'Visit O-Ise once in your lifetime.' The Shikinen Sengu ritual, in which all shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years, has been continued for over 1,300 years.
Enshrined deities
Amaterasu Omikami
History
The spirit of Amaterasu-Omikami, originally enshrined in the palace, was moved to Kasanui-no-mura in Yamato during the reign of Emperor Suizei. Subsequently, during the reign of Emperor Suinin, Princess Yamato-hime-miko toured various provinces seeking a permanent seat. She received a divine oracle and established the shrine on the banks of the Ise River. During the Edo period, millions of people participated in Okage-mairi (pilgrimages of gratitude). The Shikinen Sengu ritual, continuing for over 1,300 years since the 4th year of Empress Jito's reign (690 CE), will reach its 63rd iteration in 2033 CE (Reiwa 15).
Blessings
As the shrine enshrining Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial House and the collective patron deity of the Japanese people, it is considered the highest place for prayers for national stability and public peace. Historically subject to 'Shiheikintan' (prohibition of private offerings), the primary purpose was gratitude rather than personal requests. However, today visitors from across the country come to pray for milestones in life and the fulfillment of wishes.
What visitors say
Reviews of Kotohoku-gu (Ise Jingu Naiku) highlight the tranquility of early morning visits, the solemn atmosphere surrounded by the clear waters of the Ise River and the scent of trees, and its charm as a sacred site one wishes to revisit. On the other hand, some points out issues regarding the distance from the outer shrine (Geku) and transportation methods, particularly the shortage of taxis. Overall, it is highly evaluated as a special place that cleanses the heart.
Opening hours
- Monday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Thursday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Friday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Saturday: 5:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: 5:00 – 18:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The center of the Grand Shrine enshrining Amaterasu Omikami. One of the top Hatsumode sites in the country.
The center of the Grand Shrine enshrining Amaterasu Omikami. In the sacred precincts surrounded by sacred cedar trees along the banks of the Isuzu River, visitors from all over the country offer their gratitude for the new year during one of the country's top Hatsumode events.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Isuzu River ablution site
- ・One of the top Hatsumode sites in the country
- ・Solemn sacred forest
- May 14Shinmei-sai (Rite of Offering Divine Robes)
An ancient-style festival offering robes to the deities. Held twice a year (May and October).
A festival where Wa-byo (silk) and Ara-byo (hemp) woven in the ancient style at the Kami-no-Fuku-Orimono-den Shrine and Kami-no-Asa-Tsuzuki-den Shrine are offered to Amaterasu Omikami, based on ancient tales of Takamagahara (the High Plain of Heaven). Held on May 14 and October 14.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Woven offering of Wa-byo (silk) and Ara-byo (hemp)
- ・Held twice a year (May and October)
- ・Based on ancient tales of Takamagahara
- October 16-17Shinnosai (New Rice Harvest Festival)
The most historic festival at the Grand Shrine, offering new rice to Amaterasu Omikami.
The most important festival at the Grand Shrine, where the new rice of the year is first offered to Amaterasu Omikami to express gratitude for the divine grace. Also called the 'New Year of the Grand Shrine,' the Yuki-Omisen (precious divine food) and the rite of offering currency are solemnly performed (Inner Shrine: October 16-17).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Offering new rice to Amaterasu Omikami
- ・The most important rite at the Grand Shrine
- ・Yuki-Omisen (precious divine food) and currency offering
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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