Ise Grand Shrine 伊勢神宮
Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrine
While Ise-Shima is a national park, the vast majority of visitors turn up here to vist Ise Jingū, considered the most sacred Shintō shrine in Japan.
It is made up of Gekū (Outer Shrine) in central Ise town, a 10min walk from Ise-shi or Ujiyamada Stations, and Naikū (Inner Shrine), 4km to the south.
The Outer Shrine is traditionally visited before the Inner Shrine, and regular buses connect the two.
The Outer Shrine was established over 1500 years ago, about 500 years after the Inner Shrine. According to Shintō traditions, both are rebuilt every 20 years - the 63rd rebuilding will be in 2033.
The Inner Shrine is traditionally approached through Oharaimachi, a bustling street of shops and restaurants.