A Sacred Site That Must Be Visited in a Lifetime:: Ise Grand Shrine

Written by Lai Peixuan | Photographed by Chi Binghui

Today’s “Ise Grand Shrine” in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most important shrines. Along with Heian Shrine in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, it is ranked as one of Japan’s Three Great Shrines, and has attracted worshippers in an unbroken stream since ancient times. Ise Grand Shrine is divided into the Inner Shrine (Kotai Jingu, or Naiku) and the Outer Shrine (Toyouke Daijingu, or Geku). The Inner Shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral goddess of the Japanese imperial family, and is deeply revered by the Japanese people. The Outer Shrine is dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the guardian deity of food, clothing, and shelter. In addition to the Outer and Inner Shrines, the Ise Grand Shrine complex also includes 14 auxiliary shrines (Beppyo shrines), as well as 109 affiliated and subordinate shrines, all collectively referred to as the “Shrine.”

The architectural style of Ise Grand Shrine is unique and symbolizes the supreme status of Amaterasu Omikami. Its structure resembles an elevated granary, representing the oldest style of Japanese architecture dating back to the Yayoi period. Ise Grand Shrine is a wooden structure characterized by its simple, linear beauty. Important parts of the main hall, both inside and out, are adorned with gold and bronze ornaments, while the railings are decorated with five-colored kagami-no-ko (ornamental jewel-like ornaments in the shape of crowns). In addition, the shrine hosts famous festivals such as the daily Morning and Evening Great Offering Rituals (Higoto Asahi no Miage), and the once-every-20-years Shikinen Sengu ceremony.