Ise Grand Shrine, Ise-Shima National Park

The Ise Grand Shrine, also known as Ise Jingu, is a paramount sacred site in the Shinto religion, nestled in the city of Ise within the verdant embrace of the Ise-Shima National Park, Japan. This spiritual complex is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu-omikami and is considered the most sacred of all Shinto shrines in Japan.

The shrine's origins can be traced back to the 3rd century, and it consists of two main sanctuaries: the Naiku (Inner Shrine) and the Geku (Outer Shrine). The Naiku is said to house the Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, which represents the imperial family's divine ancestry. The Geku is dedicated to Toyouke-omikami, the deity of agriculture and industry.

Ise Grand Shrine is unique in its architectural style, known as shinmei-zukuri, which is characterized by simple, unadorned wooden structures, thatched roofs, and raised floors. This style is intended to harmonize with the natural surroundings, creating a tranquil and purifying atmosphere.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Ise Grand Shrine is its tradition of Shikinen Sengu, the reconstruction of the shrine every 20 years. This ritual, dating back over 1,300 years, involves rebuilding the shrines at adjacent sites and transferring the deities to the new structures. This practice symbolizes the Shinto belief in the impermanence of all things and the renewal of nature.

Visitors to the shrine can partake in a serene walk through the ancient forest leading up to the Naiku, cross the Uji Bridge, and purify themselves at the temizuya water pavilion before approaching the sacred areas. Photography of the main buildings is not permitted, preserving the sanctity of the site.