View source for Ise Shrine

{{Short description|Shinto shrine in Japan}}
{{Infobox religious building
| name                  = Ise Shrine
| native_name           = {{nihongo| 伊勢神宮|Ise Jingū}}
| image                 = [[File:Naiku 04.jpg|250px]]
| caption               = Naikū, Ise Shrine
| mapframe          = yes
| mapframe-zoom     = 14
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
| map_type              = Japan
| map_alt               =
| coordinates           = {{coord|34|27|18|N|136|43|33|E|region:JP_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| map_relief            =
| map_size              =
| map_caption           =
| religious_affiliation = [[Shinto]]
| type                  =
| deity                 = [[Amaterasu]]
| founded_by            =
| established           = 4 BCE (according to legend)
| date_destroyed        =
| location              = [[Ise, Mie|Ise]], [[Mie Prefecture]], [[Japan]]
| website               =
| architecture_style    = [[Shinmei zukuri]]
| festival              =
| leadership            =
}}
{{Shinto}}
The {{nihongo|'''Ise Shrine'''|伊勢神宮|Ise Jingū|lead=yes}}, located in [[Ise, Mie|Ise]], [[Mie Prefecture]] of [[Japan]], is a [[Shinto shrine]] dedicated to the solar goddess [[Amaterasu]] Ōmikami and the grain goddess [[Toyouke-hime]] (Toyouke Omikami). Also known simply as {{nihongo||神宮|'''Jingū'''}}, Ise Shrine is a shrine complex composed of many Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, {{nihongo||内宮|'''Naikū'''}} and {{nihongo||外宮|'''Gekū'''}}<!-- The {{nihongo}} template broke, displays error message when paired with {{ill}}. Reverted to previous version. Used to be: {{nihongo||内宮|'''{{ill|Kotai jingu|lt=Naikū|ja|皇大神宮}}'''}} and {{nihongo||外宮|'''{{ill|Toyouke Daijingu|lt=Gekū|ja|豊受大神宮}}'''}} -->.

The Inner Shrine, Naikū (also officially known as "Kōtai Jingū"), is dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu and is located in the town of Uji-tachi, south of central Ise, where she is believed to dwell. The shrine buildings are made of solid cypress wood and use no nails but instead joined wood. The Outer Shrine, ''Gekū'' (also officially known as "Toyouke Daijingū"), is located about six kilometers from Naikū and dedicated to [[Toyouke-Ōmikami]], the god of agriculture, rice harvest and industry.<ref>Ise Jingu official homepage, {{cite web |url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/gegu/gegu.htm |title=Isejingu |access-date=2012-05-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530195803/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/gegu/gegu.htm |archive-date=2012-05-30 }}</ref> Besides Naikū and Gekū, there are an additional 123 Shinto shrines in Ise City and the surrounding areas, 91 of them connected to Naikū and 32 to Gekū.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/isemairi/isemairi.htm|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120530195803/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/isemairi/isemairi.htm|url-status=dead|title=Ise Jingu official homepage|archivedate=May 30, 2012}}</ref>

Purportedly the home of the [[Yata no Kagami|Sacred Mirror]], the shrine is one of Shinto's holiest and most important sites.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ellwood |first1=Robert S. |title=Japanese Religion: A Cultural Perspective |date=1985 |publisher=Prentice-Hall |isbn=978-0-13-509282-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WAERAQAAIAAJ |access-date=18 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Access to both sites is strictly limited, with the general public not allowed beyond sight of the thatched roofs of the central structures, hidden behind four tall [[tamagaki|wooden fences]]. However, visitors are free to roam the forest, including its ornamental walkways which date back to the [[Meiji period]].

During the [[Edo period]], it is estimated that one out of ten Japanese conducted an ''Okage Mairi'' pilgrimage to the shrine. Accordingly, pilgrimage to the shrine flourished in both commercial and religious frequency. According to historical documents, 3.62 million people visited the shrine in 50 days in 1625, and 1.18 million people visited the shrine in three days in 1829 when the grand festival held every 20 years was held.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161013220353/http://cleanup.jp/life/edo/86.shtml お伊勢さま、一度は行きたい庶民の夢] Cleanup Corporation</ref> Because the shrine is considered [[sanctuary]], no security checkpoints were conducted, as it was considered [[sacrilege]] by the faithful. The two main shrines of Ise are joined by a pilgrimage road that passes through the old entertainment district of Furuichi.

The chief priest or priestess of Ise Shrine must be related to the [[Imperial House of Japan]] and is responsible for watching over the Shrine. The current High Priestess of the shrine is the daughter of Emperor Emeritus [[Akihito]], former Princess [[Sayako Kuroda]].<ref name="The Japan Times 21-6-17">{{cite news |newspaper=[[Japan Times]] |title=Emperor's daughter becomes supreme priestess at Ise Shrine |date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=June 22, 2017 |quote=Sayako Kuroda, the daughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, assumed the post of supreme priestess at Ise Shrine this week, the ancient Shinto shrine said. |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/21/national/politics-diplomacy/emperors-daughter-becomes-supreme-priestess-ise-shrine/#.WUvxevqGMza |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108002241/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/21/national/politics-diplomacy/emperors-daughter-becomes-supreme-priestess-ise-shrine/#.WUvxevqGMza |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Establishment of the Shrine ==
[[File:Sinkei20051116.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|left|Free-range chickens roaming the grounds, considered to be the divine messengers of Amaterasu]]

According to the ''[[Nihon Shoki]]'', around 2000 years ago the divine [[Yamatohime-no-mikoto]], daughter of the [[Emperor Suinin]], set out from [[Mount Miwa|Mt. Miwa]] in modern [[Nara Prefecture]] in search of a permanent location to worship the goddess Amaterasu, wandering for 20 years through the regions of Omi and Mino. Her search eventually brought her to Ise, in modern [[Mie Prefecture]], where she is said to have established Naikū after hearing the voice of Amaterasu saying "(Ise) is a secluded and pleasant land. In this land I wish to dwell."{{sfn|Aston|1896|p=176}} Before [[Yamatohime-no-mikoto]]'s journey, [[Amaterasu]] had been worshiped at the imperial residence in [[Yamato Province|Yamato]], then briefly at [[Kashihara, Nara|Kasanui]] in the eastern Nara basin. When Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto arrived at the village of Uji-tachi, she set up fifty bells to designate the area as enshrined for the goddess Amaterasu, which is why the river is called the [[Isuzu River|Isuzu]], or "fifty bells".{{sfn|Bocking|2013|p=51}}

Geku was founded after [[Emperor Yuryaku]] dreamt that he saw [[Amaterasu]]. She said she was unable to get food and asked him to bring [[Toyouke-hime]] from [[Tanba Province|Tanba]] help her with food.<ref name=":6" />

[[File:Takakura-yama(Ise) 01.JPG|thumb|Bird's eye view of the area surrounding the Gekū shrine]]
Besides the traditional establishment date of 4 BC,<ref name="auto">''Encyclopædia Britannica{{Snd}} Ise Shrine'' https://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9368233</ref> other dates of the 3rd and 5th centuries have been put forward for the establishment of Naikū and Gekū respectively. The first shrine building at Naikū was erected by [[Emperor Tenmu]] (678–686), with the first ceremonial rebuilding being carried out by his wife, [[Empress Jitō]], in 692.<ref name="witcombe.sbc.edu">''Sacred Places{{Snd}} Ise Shrine'' http://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/ise.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126053720/http://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/ise.html |date=2021-01-26 }}</ref>

The shrine was foremost among a group of shrines which became objects of imperial patronage in the early [[Heian period]].{{sfn|Breen|Teeuwen|2000|pp=74–75}} In 965, [[Emperor Murakami]] ordered imperial messengers to be sent to report important events to the guardian [[kami]] of Japan. These ''heihaku'' were initially presented to 16 shrines including the Ise Shrine.<ref>Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1962). ''Studies in Shinto and Shrines,'' pp. 116–117.</ref>

== Chief priestess / chief priest ==

From the late 7th century until the 14th century, the role of chief priestess of Ise Shrine was carried out by a female member of the [[Imperial House of Japan]] known as a [[Saiō]]. According to the ''[[Man'yōshū]]'', the first saiō to serve at the shrine was [[Princess Ōku]], daughter of [[Emperor Tenmu]], during the [[Asuka period]]. Mention of Ise Shrine's saiō is also made in the Aoi, Sakaki and Yugao chapters of ''[[The Tale of Genji]]'' as well as in the 69th chapter of ''[[The Tales of Ise]]''. The saiō system ended during the turmoil of the [[Nanboku-chō period]].

During the [[Empire of Japan]] and the establishment of [[State Shinto]], the position of chief priest of the Ise Shrine was fulfilled by the reigning emperor and the [[Emperor Meiji|Meiji]], [[Emperor Taishō|Taisho]] and [[Hirohito|Shōwa Emperors]] all played the role of chief priest during their reigns.

Since the disestablishment of State Shinto during the [[Occupation of Japan]], the offices of chief priest and most sacred priestess have been held by former members of the imperial family or their descendants. The current chief priest of the shrine is {{ill|Takatsukasa Naotake|ja|鷹司尚武}}, adoptive son of [[Kazuko Takatsukasa|Takatsukasa Kazuko]]. He succeeded Kitashirakawa Michihisa, a great-grandson of [[Emperor Meiji]], in 2007.  [[Fusako Kitashirakawa|Kitashirakawa Fusako]], the daughter of Emperor Meiji, served as the chief priestess until 1974, when she was succeeded by her niece, [[Kazuko Takatsukasa|Takatsukasa Kazuko]].  Takatsukasa was succeeded by her younger sister, [[Atsuko Ikeda|Ikeda Atsuko]], in 1988. In 2012, Ikeda was joined by her niece [[Sayako Kuroda]], sole daughter of Emperor [[Akihito]], to serve as a high priestess under her. On 19 June 2017, Kuroda officially replaced her aunt as supreme priestess.<ref name="The Japan Times 21-6-17" />

== Shrine architecture ==
[[File:Okihiki.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Okihiki Festival in May 2007, exhibiting wood to build the next shrine]]
The architectural style of the Ise shrine is known as ''[[shinmei-zukuri]]'', characterized by extreme simplicity and antiquity; its basic principles date back to the [[Kofun period]] (250–538 C.E.). The shrine buildings use a special variant of this style called {{nihongo|''yuitsu-shinmei-zukuri''|唯一神明造}}, which may not be used in the construction of any other shrine. ''Yuitsu-shinmei-zukuri'' style replicates the architectural features of early rice granaries.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion|last=Cali|first=Joseph|publisher=University of Hawai'i Press|year=2013|pages=214–222}}</ref> The old shrines are dismantled and new ones built on an adjacent site to exacting specifications every 20 years at exorbitant expense, so that the buildings will be forever new and forever ancient and original. The present buildings, dating from 2013, are the 62nd iteration to date and are scheduled for rebuilding in 2033.

[[File:Ise Shrine Meizukuri.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Main shrine building, Naiku]]
The shrine at Naikū is constructed of [[Japanese cypress]]. Built on pillars set directly in the ground, the shrine building measures 10.9 by 5.5 meters and includes a raised floor, verandas all the way around the building and a staircase leading to a single central doorway. The Naikū does not have any windows.<ref name=":1" /> The roof is made of thatched reed with ten billets (''[[katsuogi]]'') located on the ridge of the roof, the bargeboards of which project beyond the roof to form the distinctive forked finials (''[[Chigi (architecture)|chigi]]'') at the ends of the ridge. The ''chigi'' on the roof of the Naikū are flat on top, rather than pointed, which serves as a distinction for the gender of the deity being represented. In the case of Ise, Amaterasu, a female deity, is represented at the shrine, which is why the ''chigi'' are flat.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mayer|first=Adrian|date=March 1992|title=On the Gender of Shrines and the Daijōsai|journal=Japanese Journal of Religious Studies|volume= 19|page =73|doi=10.18874/jjrs.19.1.1992.69-80|doi-access=free}}</ref> The roof ridge is supported by two free-standing columns called the ''munamochi-bashira''. The ''katsuogi'', ''chigi'' and ''munamochi-bashira'' are stylised forms of older storehouse building techniques that pre-date the introduction of Buddhist architecture in Japan.<ref>Sir Banister Fletcher, ''A History of Architecture'' (p. 724), Architectural Press (1996), {{ISBN|0-7506-2267-9}}</ref>

The empty site beside the shrine building, the site where the previous shrine once stood and where the next will be built, is called the ''kodenchi''. This area is strewn with large white pebbles and is left totally empty apart from the ''oi-ya'', a small wooden hut containing a wooden pole a little over 2 metres in height called the ''shin-no-mihashira'' (new sacred central pole). When a new shrine is built, it is built around the sacred central pole before the removal of the oi-ya, so that the central pole is never seen. The central pole of the old shrine will then have a new ''oi-ya'' erected so that the ''shin-no-mihashira'' also remains unseen.<ref name="witcombe.sbc.edu" />
{{blockquote|The erection of a single post in the center of a sacred area strewn with stones represents the form taken by Japanese places of worship in very ancient times; the ''shin-no-mihashira'' would thus be the survival of a symbolism from a very primitive symbolism to the present day.<ref>Kenzo Tange and Noboru Kawazoe, ''Ise: Prototype of Japanese Architecture'' (p. 167), Cambridge, Massachusetts: M.I.T. Press, 1965.</ref> {{ISBN?}}}}

== Rebuilding the Shrine ==
[[File:Ise Daijingu sengyo no zu 伊勢太神宮遷御之図 (Depiction of the Relocation of the Grand Shrine of Ise) (BM 2008,3037.21409).jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|left|[[Ukiyo-e]] depicting the Sengū ceremony (relocation of kami) when it was rebuilt in 1849. by [[Hiroshige]], 1849]]
[[File:Ise-Grand-Shrine-Emperor-Meiji-Sadahide-Utagawa-1869.png|thumb|upright=1.15|left|Ise Grand Shrine Ukiyo-e with Emperor Meiji (center) worshipping Ise Jingu on a portable shrine (March 11, 1869)]]
The shrine buildings at Naikū and Gekū, as well as the Uji Bridge, are rebuilt every 20 years as a part of the Shinto belief in ''tokowaka'' (常若), which means renewing objects to maintain a strong sense of divine prestige in pursuit of eternity, and as a way of passing building techniques from one generation to the next.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dir.co.jp/report/column/20160406_010798.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507162638/https://www.dir.co.jp/report/column/20160406_010798.html|script-title=ja:常若(とこわか)=伊勢神宮・式年遷宮にみる和のサステナビリティ|language=ja|publisher=Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd.|date=6 April 2016|archive-date=7 May 2021|access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref><ref>Shinnyo Kawai (2013) ''常若の思想 伊勢神宮と日本人''. [[Shodensha]]. {{ISBN|978-4396614669}}</ref> The twenty-year renewal process is called the '''Shikinen Sengū'''. Although the goal of Sengū is to get the shrine built within the 20-year period, there have been some instances, especially because of war, where the shrine building process is postponed or delayed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Reynolds |first=Jonathan|date=June 2001|title=Ise Shrine and a Modernist Construction of Japanese Tradition |journal=The Art Bulletin|volume= 83|issue=2|pages=316–341 |doi=10.2307/3177211|jstor=3177211}}</ref> The original physical purpose of the Sengu process is unknown. However, it is believed that it serves to maintain the longevity of the shrine, or possibly as a gesture to the deity enclosed within the shrine. Historically, this cyclical reconstruction has been practiced for many years in various shrines throughout Japan, meaning that it is not a process exclusive to Ise. The entire reconstruction process takes more or less 17 years, with the initial years focusing on project organization and general planning, and the last 8 years focusing on the physical construction of the shrine.

The shrine has evolved throughout the years in its reconstruction, while maintaining some of its key features. The shrine was not originally constructed with gold copper adornments; however, because of advancements in technology as well as Buddhist influence, it gained them over the years.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Adams|first=Cassandra|date=Sep 1998|title=Japan's Ise Shrine and Its Thirteen-Hundred-Year-Old Reconstruction Tradition|journal=Journal of Architectural Education|volume= 52|pages=49–69|doi=10.1111/j.1531-314X.1998.tb00255.x}}</ref> Another example of Buddhist influence on the shrine is the use of ''Suedama'', which are Buddhist orbs seen on various religious structures. It symbolizes a sacred jewel, and is comparable to ''[[Cintamani|nyoi-shu]]'', orbs which many Buddhist figures are displayed holding.<ref name=":1" /> Initially, the shrine was constructed of locally sourced [[Hinoki]] wood, which served as an ideal building material due to its physical properties. The abundance of local Hinoki wood was short lived, and the shrine currently obtains the wood through other domestic producers, who ensure that only the best wood is being used for the construction. Before the wood is usable in building the shrine, it must be put through a lengthy seasoning and drying process where it is in a pond for several years and then dried.<ref name=":2" />

The team which builds the shrine is typically formed around a few factors. Since many of the building techniques haven't changed since the creation of the Ise Shrine, the workers who are hired to build the shrine must be skilled in specific techniques. Power tools are not allowed within the area of the shrine, which means that skilled artisans and carpenters known as ''miyadaiku''<ref name=":1" /> are necessary in the construction process. The unit of workers is also organized around relative skill levels, and less experienced workers will work on smaller tasks than more experienced workers. The importance of hiring specifically local artisans has decreased throughout time, for the pool of available miyadaiku has thinned out.<ref name=":2" /> Specialized work and the specific materials come with a cost; in 2013, the shrine was built from private donations alone, totaling 57 billion Japanese Yen (US$550 million).<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|title=Carmen Blacker: Scholar of Japanese Religion, Myth and Folklore |last=Breen |first=John |publisher=Renaissance Books |isbn=978-1-898823-56-8 |year=2017 |pages=396–412}}</ref>

[[File:Sengu20051116.JPG|thumb|right|Land before Sengū ceremony, 2005]]
In August, in a long-standing tradition, the people who live in Ise are allowed to enter the area around the Inner Sanctum of the Naiku as well as the Geku. Some villages drag a wooden carriage laden with white stones up the [[Isuzu River]] onto the grounds of the Naiku. Each participant gets two white stones in a white handkerchief and these allow them to place the stones in the area around the Inner Sanctum. Other villages drag a huge wooden cart or Noburi Kuruma laden with white stones to the Uji bridge at the entrance of the grounds of the Naiku. Participants receive two white stones which are also placed in the sacred space around the Inner Sanctum. The entire tradition is called Shiraisshiki and it is very colourful with every participant wearing a [[happi]] coat representing a particular village. The rebuilding of the main shrine takes place on a site adjacent to the old, and each rebuilding alternates between the two sites. The next scheduled rebuilding of Naikū is due in 2033 on the lower, northern site. Various other religious ceremonies are held with the completion of the shrine, each serving different purposes.<ref name=":2" />

In the lead-up to the rebuilding of the shrines, a number of festivals are held to mark special events. The Okihiki Festival is held in the spring over two consecutive years and involves people from surrounding towns dragging huge wooden logs through the streets of Ise to Naikū and Gekū. In the lead-up to the 2013 rebuilding, the Okihiki festival was held in 2006 and 2007. A year after the completion of the Okihiki festival, carpenters begin preparing the wood for its eventual use in the Shrine.

== Annual festivals ==
[[File:Jingu-sinden-otaue 06.jpg|thumb|left|The Otaue ceremony]]
From the late seventh century, when the festivals and offerings of Ise Shrine became more formalised, a number of annual events have been performed at both Naikū and Gekū. The Tsukinamisai, which was held in June and December, as well as the Kannamesai Festival in September, were the only three offerings performed by the [[Saiō]], an imperial princess who served as high priestess of the shrine until the 14th century.<ref>Saikū Historical Museum information booklet, "A Town of Bamboo Illumined Once Again".</ref> These offerings are based on the cycle of the agricultural year and are still performed today.

The first important ceremony of the modern calendar year is the [[Kinen-sai]], where prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest. Kazahinomisai, where prayers for fair weather and sufficient rains are made, is held twice a year in May and August at both Naikū and Gekū.
[[File:Bugaku(Naiku) 03.JPG|thumb|Autumn [[Kagura]] Festival]]
The most important annual festival held at Ise Shrine is the {{nihongo|[[Kannamesai Festival]]|神嘗祭}}. Held in October each year, this ritual makes offerings of the first harvest of crops for the season to Amaterasu. An imperial envoy carries the offering of rice harvested by the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] himself to Ise, as well as five-coloured silk cloth and other materials, called ''heihaku.''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/maturi/maturi5.htm |title=Isejingu |access-date=2007-10-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803191411/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/maturi/maturi5.htm |archive-date=2012-08-03 }}{{Snd}} Annual Cycle of Ceremonies and Rice, Official Ise Jingu homepage.</ref>

Besides the agricultural ceremonies already mentioned, ceremonies and festivals are held throughout the year at both Naikū and Gekū to celebrate things such as the new year, the foundation of Japan, the past emperors, purification rituals for priests and court musicians, good sake fermentation and the [[The Emperor's Birthday|Emperor's birthday]]. There are also daily food offerings to the shrine kami held both in the mornings and evenings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/maturi/maturi2.htm |title=Isejingu |access-date=2007-10-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804182958/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/maturi/maturi2.htm |archive-date=2012-08-04 }}{{Snd}} Annual Cycle of Ceremonies, Official Ise Jingu homepage.</ref>

== Gekū – the outer shrine{{Anchor|Geku}} ==
{{Infobox religious building
| name                  = Toyouke Daijingu
| native_name           = {{nihongo|豊受大神宮|Toyouke Daijingu}}
| religious_affiliation = [[Shinto]]
| image                 = [[File:Geku 003.jpg|250px]]
| caption               =
| map_type              = Japan
| coordinates           = {{coord|34|27|18|N|136|43|33|E|region:JP_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| map_size              =
| map_alt               =
| map_relief            =
| map_caption           =
| location              = [[Ise, Mie|Ise]], [[Mie Prefecture]], [[Japan]]
| deity                 = [[Toyoukebime]]
| festival              =
| type                  =
| leadership            =
| website               =
| architecture_style    =
| founded_by            =
| established           = 4 BCE
| date_destroyed        =
}}

{{nihongo||豊受大神宮|'''Toyouke Daijingu'''}}<!-- {{nihongo}} breaks with {{ill}}; previously: {{nihongo||豊受大神宮|'''{{ill|Toyouke Daijingu|ja|豊受大神宮}}'''}} --> is a shrine to [[Toyouke-hime|Toyoukebime]], the food goddess, located in Ise Grand Shrine. it is also colloquially known as {{nihongo||外宮|'''Gekū'''|{{lit|Outer shrine}}}}<!-- {{nihongo}} breaks with {{ill}}; previously: {{nihongo||外宮|'''{{ill|Toyouke Daijingu|lt=Gekū|ja|豊受大神宮}}'''|{{lit|Outer shrine}}}} -->.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |title=Outer Shrine (Geku) |url=https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4311.html |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.japan-guide.com |language=en}}</ref> In pilgrimage customs people traditionally visit this shrine first and then [[Kotai jingu]] which is located 4&nbsp;km to the south<ref name=":03" />

The shrine was founded after [[Emperor Yuryaku]] dreamt that he saw [[Amaterasu]]. She said she was unable to get food and asked him to bring [[Toyouke-hime]] from [[Tanba Province|Tanba]] help her with food.<ref name=":6">{{cite web |title=Outline of Geku |url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/gegu/gegu.htm |website=isejingu.or.jp |access-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530195803/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/gegu/gegu.htm |archive-date=30 May 2012}}</ref>

=== Daiichi-torii-guchi Sando ===
Daiichi-torii-guchi Sando is the primary route into the shrine. It is a [[Sandō]] that starts at the Hiyokebashi bridge entrance, and beyond this bridge, the Temizusha (ablution font) is visible on the left side.<ref name=":03" />

=== Temizusha ===
A [[Chōzuya|Temizusha]] is present at the shrine for worshippers to purify .<ref name=":03" />

=== Kitamikado-guchi Sando ===
An alternative [[Sandō|entrance path]] for the shrine.<ref name=":03" />

=== Saikan and Anzaisho ===
Saikan and Anzaisho are the Purification Hall and Hall for Imperial Household Visitors respectively. They are on the right side of the pilgrimage path. The Saikan, which is surrounded by fences, is used by Shinto priests to purify themselves. They stay here for one or two nights to cleanse their minds from worldly concerns before performing rituals, as they bathe and eat meals prepared with sacred fire to achieve spiritual serenity; adjacent to Saikan, there is a building called Anzaisho, which serves as the Hall for the Emperor and Empress.<ref name=":03" />

=== Kaguraden ===
There is a large [[Kaguraden]] at Geku.<ref name=":03" />

=== Honden ===
Toyouke Omikami is enshrined at the Honden. It lies in the most sacred area enclosed by four rows of fences, and the structure remains unchanged from 1500 years ago. Worshippers can only approach the first gate.<ref name=":03" />

=== History ===
In Japanese mythology [[Toyouke-hime]] was either killed by [[Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto]]{{Efn|In the [[Nihon Shoki]]}}<ref name="Roberts 2010">{{cite book |last=Roberts |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.enryo.ro/carti/Japanese%20mythology%20A%20to%20Z.pdf |title=Japanese Mythology A To Z |publisher=Chelsea House Publishers |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-60413-435-3 |edition=2nd |location=New York}}</ref> or by [[Susanoo-no-Mikoto]].{{Efn|In the [[Kojiki]]}} Amaterasu mourned the death of her and in the [[Nihon Shoki]] the reason the sun and the moon are on opposite sides of the sky is that Amaterasu was unwilling to go near [[Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto]] the moon god after he committed the murder.<ref name="Roberts 2010" /> Amaterasu is linked with Toyouke-hime as the sun is necessary for food to grow. This was prior to the [[Tenson Korin]] and the establishment of [[Ise Jingu]]. [[Emperor Suinin]] is said to have established the shrine to worship [[Amaterasu]] at a permanent location after many temporary locations.{{sfn|Bocking|2013|p=51}} In contrast with {{ill|Kotai jingu|lt=|ja|皇大神宮}}, this shrine is not explicitly mentioned in the [[Kojiki]] or the [[Nihon Shoki]].

Besides the traditional establishment date of 4 BC,<ref name="auto"/> it has also been proposed as having been made in the 5th century.<ref name="witcombe.sbc.edu"/> The shrine officially states it was created 1500 years ago in response to a revelation from [[Amaterasu]] that the shrine was needed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Ise Jingu |url=https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/about/index.html |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Ise Jingu |language=en}}</ref>

The shrine has been traditionally rebuilt every 20 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ise Jingu – Geku (Toyouke Daijingu) {{!}} Sightseeing Spots MIE(Ise-Shima) {{!}} Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/sightseeing/mie/spot02.html |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.kintetsu.co.jp}}</ref>

There is a separate shrine dedicated to Toyouke's [[Mitama#Ara-mitama and nigi-mitama|Ara-mitama]], or {{Nihongo|2=豊受大御神荒魂|3=Toyouke-Ōmikami no Ara-mitama}} called {{ill|Takanomiya|ja|多賀宮}} (Takamiya) inside this shrine.

== Naikū – the inner shrine{{Anchor|Naiku}} ==

The official name of the main shrine of Naikū is Kotaijingu and is the place of worship of the goddess Amaterasu. The grounds of Naikū contain a number of structures, including the following:<ref>The official Ise Jingu homepage: Naiku, {{cite web |url=http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/naigu/naigu.htm |title=Isejingu |access-date=2008-01-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629183132/http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/naigu/naigu.htm |archive-date=2012-06-29 }}</ref>

=== The Uji Bridge ===
[[File:Ise Shrine Uji-bashi1.jpg|thumb|left|The Uji Bridge, 2012]]
This 100 meter wooden bridge, built in a traditional Japanese style, stretches across the [[Isuzu River]] at the entrance of Naikū. Like the shrine buildings of Naikū, it is rebuilt every 20 years as a part of the Shikinen Sengū ceremony. The bridge is typically built by carpenters with less experience to gain more skills before moving on to take on the task of working on the main shrine.<ref name=":2" /> On crossing the bridge, the path turns to the right along the banks of the Isuzu river and passes through large landscaped gardens.

=== Temizusha ===

After crossing a short, wide bridge, pilgrims to the shrine encounter the Temizusha, a small, roofed structure containing a pool of water for use in ritual purification. Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands and rinse their mouths at Temizusha as a symbolic act to clean the mind and body of impurity. The first of two large torii gates stands just beyond the Temizusha.

=== Saikan and Anzaisho ===
After passing the first large torii gate, the Purification Hall (Saikan), and the hall for visitors from the imperial household (Anzaisho) is located to the left. The Saikan is used by shrine priests to purify themselves before performing ceremonies at the shrine. They are required to spend one or two nights to free their minds of worldly issues, partaking in baths and eating meals cooked with the sacred fire.

=== Kaguraden ===
[[File:IseShrine.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kagura-den]]]]
This hall for special prayer, located just after the second large torii gate, is open to the public for the offering of individual prayers to the kami, the giving of donations and the purchase of special talisman of protection, amulets and hanging scrolls of Amaterasu Omikami.
[[File:Geku uiho20051116.JPG|thumb|right|Charge field prayer, Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū), 2005]]

=== Imibiyaden ===
[[File:Kazahinomi-sai01.jpg|thumb|left|Imibiyaden, 2007]]
This hall contains the sacred fire used to cook all of the food offerings to the kami of Ise Shrine. Rice and other offerings cooked on the sacred fire are stored in a box made of Japanese cypress, then purified at the Haraedo immediately in front of the Imibiyaden before being offered to the kami.

=== Kōtai Jingū – the main shrine ===
The pilgrimage path then approaches the fence of the inner sanctum (昇殿, shōden) of Naikū by a set of large stone steps. Within another set of fencing inside the gate is the main shrine (正宮, seigū) itself. Visitors are supposed to keep to the sides of the path as the middle is set aside for the goddess Amaterasu. Etiquette is the same as for most Shinto shrines. Though the actual shrine is hidden behind a large fence, pilgrims can approach the gate to offer their prayers. Photographs in this area are prohibited and this restriction is strictly policed.

Kotai Jingū is said to hold the [[Yata no Kagami|Sacred Mirror]], one of three [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]] said to have been given to the first Emperor by the gods. From a path that follows the line of the outer wall, the distinctive roof of the shrine building can be seen through the trees. In front of the walled shrine compound can be seen an open area which was the location of the rebuilding of the shrine in 2013.

== Pilgrimage at Ise ==
[[File:Isejingu Shogu Naiku-10.jpg|thumb|right|Visitors to the main shrine, Naikū, 2014]]
The pilgrimage to the Ise shrine, also known as ''Sangū'',<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|title=Kaempfer's Japan: Tokugawa Culture Observed|last=Kaempfer|first=Engelbert|publisher=University of Hawai'i Press|year=1999|pages=117–121}}</ref> gained immense popularity during the Edo Period, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would travel there every year. The growth was exponential, 5 million pilgrims visiting the shrine in the year 1830 alone. By the late 19th century, tourists from abroad began to visit and document Ise. The popularity of making a trip to Ise resulted in vast networks and groups of travelers, which ultimately led to businesses working to benefit from this influx of interest for the shrine. Travel guidebooks were made to aid travelers in their navigation, as well to let them know of specific important places to visit while at Ise. They also included woodblock prints of the shrine that were very appealing to those who had made the long trek to the shrine.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, people wanted souvenirs, which resulted in a variety of vendors at Ise selling general goods and specialty items. There were also various post stations which had specific gifts, many of which were woodblock prints.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|title=Breaking Barriers: Travel and the State in Early Modern Japan|last=Vaporis|first=Constantine|publisher=Harvard University|year=1994|pages=217–254}}</ref> The pilgrimage had multiple purposes and appeals. It was seen as a purification process, and by visiting Ise, pilgrims were purified and aided in receiving a good afterlife.<ref name=":4" /> It also was seen as a vacation, the journey to the shrine itself being almost as important as actually getting there.<ref name=":5" /> In the 21st century, Ise is still an important destination both to foreign tourists and especially to the Japanese community; 9 million Japanese tourists visited the shrine in 2013.<ref name=":3" />

== Shrines and facilities ==

=== Shrines ===
There are 125 shrines within Ise Shrine:<ref>"Oise mairi" (「お伊勢まいり」, Jingū-shichō, Ise-Jingū-sūkei-kai, July 1, 2006) pp. 105-118</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Shōgū
|-
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| Kōtai Jingū (Naikū)
| 皇大神宮
| Amaterasu Ōmikami<br />Ameno Tajikarao no kami<br />Yorozuhata-Toyoakitsuhime no mikoto
| 天照大御神<br />天手力男神<br />万幡豊秋津姫命<ref>"Oise mairi" p. 72</ref>
| Ujitachi, Ise city
|-
| Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū)
| 豊受大神宮
| Toyouke no Ōmikami<br />3 Mitomo no kami
| 豊受大御神<br />御伴神3座<ref>"Oise mairi" p. 9</ref>
| Toyokawa, Ise city
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Betsugū of Kōtai Jingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Aramatsuri no miya
| 荒祭宮
| Amaterasu Ōmikami no [[Mitama|Aramitama]]
| 天照大御神荒御魂
| in Naikū
|-
| 2
| Tsukiyomi no miya
| 月讀宮
| Tsukiyomi no mikoto
| 月讀尊
| Nakamura, Ise city
|-
| 3
| Tsukiyomi no Aramitama no miya
| 月讀荒御魂宮
| Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Aramitama
| 月讀尊荒御魂
| in Tsukiyomi no miya
|-
| 4
| Izanagi no miya
| 伊佐奈岐宮
| Izanagi no mikoto
| 伊佐奈岐尊
| in Tsukiyomi no miya
|-
| 5
| Izanami no miya
| 伊佐奈弥宮
| Izanami no mikoto
| 伊佐奈弥尊
| in Tsukiyomi no miya
|-
| 6
| Takihara no miya
| 瀧原宮
| Amaterasu Ōmikami no [[Mitama]]
| 天照大御神御魂
| Takihara, Taiki town,<br /> Watarai district
|-
| 7
| Takihara no narabi no miya
| 瀧原竝宮
| Amaterasu Ōmikami no Mitama
| 天照大御神御魂
| in Takihara no miya
|-
| 8
| Izawa no miya
| 伊雑宮
| Amaterasu Ōmikami no Mitama
| 天照大御神御魂
| Isobe-chō-Kaminogō, <br />Shima city
|-
| 9
| Yamatohime no miya
| 倭姫宮
| Yamatohime no mikoto
| 倭姫命
| Kusube, Ise city
|-
| 10
| Kazahinomi no miya
| 風日祈宮
| Shinatsuhiko no mikoto<br /> Shinatobe no mikoto
| 級長津彦命<br />級長戸辺命
| in Naikū
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Betsugū of Toyouke Daijingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Taka no miya
| 多賀宮
| Toyouke no Ōmikami no Aramitama
| 豊受大御神荒御魂
| in Gekū
|-
| 2
| Tsuchi no miya
| 土宮
| Ōtsuchi no mioya no kami
| 大土御祖神
| in Gekū
|-
| 3
| Tsukiyomi no miya
| 月夜見宮
|Tsukiyomi no mikoto<br />Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Aramitama
| 月夜見尊<br />月夜見尊荒御魂
| Miyajiri, Ise city
|-
| 4
| Kaze no miya
| 風宮
| Shinatsuhiko no mikoto<br />Shinatobe no mikoto
| 級長津彦命<br />級長戸辺命
| in Gekū
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+[[Setsumatsusha|Sessha]] of Kōtai Jingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Asakuma jinja
| 朝熊神社
| Ōtoshi no kami<br />Kokemushi no kami<br />Asakuma no mizu no kami
| 大歳神<br />苔虫神<br />朝熊水神
| Asama, Ise city
|-
| 2
| Asakuma mimae jinja
| 朝熊御前神社
| Asakuma no mimae no kami
| 朝熊御前神
| in Asakuma jinja
|-
| 3
| Sonai (Sonō<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai" (「神宮摂社末社順拝」, [[:ja:猿田彦神社|Sarutahiko jinja]], March 31, 1989) The second volume (下巻) p. 87</ref>) jinja
| 園相神社
| Sonahihiko no mikoto<br />Mimae no kami
| 曾奈比比古命<br />御前神
| Tsumura, Ise city
|-
| 4
| Kamo jinja
| 鴨神社
| Ishikorowake no mikoto<br />Mimae no kami
| 石己呂和居命<br />御前神
| Yamagammi, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 5
| Tanoe jinja
| 田乃家神社
| Ōkami no Misamukawa no kami
| 大神御滄川神
| Yano, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 6
| Tanoe mimae jinja
| 田乃家御前神社
| Mimae no kami
| 御前神
| same as Tanoe jinja
|-
| 7
| Kano jinja
| 蚊野神社
| Ōkami no mikage no-<br /> kawa no kami
| 大神御蔭川神
| Kano, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 8
| Kano mimae jinja
| 蚊野御前神社
| Mimae no kami
| 御前神
| same as Kano jinja
|-
| 9
| Yuta jinja
| 湯田神社
| Ōtoshi no mioya no mikoto<br />Mimae no kami
| 大歳御祖命<br />御前神
| Obata-chō-Yuta, <br />Ise city
|-
| 10
| Ōtsuchi mioya jinja
| 大土御祖神社
| Ōkunitama no mikoto<br />Mizusasarahiko no mikoto<br />Mizusasarahime no mikoto
| 大国玉命<br />水佐佐良比古命<br />水佐佐良比賣命
| Kusube, Ise city
|-
| 11
| Kunitsu mioya jinja
| 国津御祖神社
| Ujihime no mikoto<br />Tamurahime no mikoto
| 宇治比賣命<br />田村比賣命
| in Ōtoshi mioya jinja
|-
| 12
| Kuchira jinja
| 朽羅神社
| Chiyorihime no mikoto<br />Chiyorihiko no mikoto
| 千依比賣命<br />千依比古命
| Hara, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 13
| Ujiyōda jinja
| 宇治山田神社
| Yamatahime no mikoto<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p. 31, No [[Hiragana]] in "Oise mairi" .
<!--「お伊勢まいり」に読みがながないので「神宮摂社末社順拝」を参照した.--></ref>
| 山田姫命
| Nakamura, Ise city
|-
| 14
| Tsunaga jinja
| 津長神社
| Sunagahime no mikoto
| 栖長比賣命
| Uji-Imazaike, Ise city <br />(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
|-
| 15
| Katada jinja
| 堅田神社
| Samitsuhime no mikoto
| 佐見都比女命
| [[Futami-ura|Futami-chō-Chaya]], <br />Ise city<ref>Katada jinja is written at "伊勢市二見町江 (Futami-chō-E, Ise city)" in "Oise mairi", but this shrine is in Futami-chō-Chaya. Futami-chō-Chaya was independent of Futami-chō-E on November 1st 2005, and Futami-chō-Chaya is often written Futami-chō-E by a mistake. Katada jinja is mapped "二見町茶屋 (Futami-chō-Chaya)" in these maps, not Futami-chō-E.
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=ja&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=%E4%BA%8C%E8%A6%8B%E7%94%BA%E8%8C%B6%E5%B1%8B&ie=UTF8&ll=34.505527,136.780397&spn=0.00263,0.004345&z=18&om=1 Google map]
* [http://www.mapion.co.jp/c/f?uc=1&grp=all&nl=34/30/09.886&el=136/47/07.502&scl=25000&bid=Mlink Mapion] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103010351/http://www.mapion.co.jp/c/f?uc=1&grp=all&nl=34%2F30%2F09.886&el=136%2F47%2F07.502&scl=25000&bid=Mlink |date=2007-11-03 }}
<!--「お伊勢まいり」では二見町江としているが、実際には二見町茶屋である.二見町茶屋は2005年11月1日の市町村合併時に江(発音は「え」ではなく「えい」だが、「え」と記述される)から独立し、度会郡二見町江から伊勢市二見町茶屋になったが、伊勢市の市町村合併では2例しかない例外措置であるため、しばしば伊勢市二見町江と誤記される.--></ref>
|-
| 16
| Ōmizu jinja
| 大水神社
| Ōyamazumi no mioya no mikoto
| 大山祇御祖命
| Uji-imazaike, Ise city <br />(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
|-
| 17
| E jinja
| 江神社
| Nagakuchime no mikoto<br />Ōtoshi no mioya no mikoto<br />Ukano mitama no mikoto
| 長口女命<br />大歳御祖命<br />宇加乃御玉命
| Futami-chō-E, Ise city
|-
| 18
| Kōzaki jinja
| 神前神社
| Arasakihime no mikoto
| 荒崎比賣命
| Futami-chō-Matsushita, <br />Ise city
|-
| 19
| Awamiko jinja
| 粟皇子神社
| Susanō no mikoto no Mitama no-<br /> michinushi no mikoto
| 須佐乃乎命御玉道主命
| Futami-chō-Matsushita, <br />Ise city
|-
| 20
| Kawara jinja
| 川原神社
| Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Mitama
| 月讀尊御魂
| Sōchi, Ise city
|-
| 21
| Kugutsuhime jinja
| 久具都比賣神社
| kugutsuhime no mikoto<br />kugutsuhiko no mikoto<br />MImae no kami
| 久具都比賣命<br />久具都比古命<br />御前神
| Kamikugu, Watarai town, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 22
| Narahara jinja
| 奈良波良神社
| Naraharahime no mikoto
| 那良原比女命
| Miyako, Tamaki town, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 23
| Sugihara jinja
| 棒原神社
| Ama no subarume no mikoto-<br /> no Mitama<br />Mimae no kami
| 天須婆留女命御魂<br />御前神
| Kami-Tanui, Tamaki town, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 24
| Mifune jinja
| 御船神社
| Ōkami no mikage no-<br /> kawa no mikoto
| 大神御蔭川神
| Toba, Taki town, <br />Taki district
|-
| 25
| Sakatekunari jinja
| 坂手国生神社
| Takaminakami no mikoto<br /> (Takaminakami no kami<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p. 69</ref>)
| 高水上命 (高水上神)
| Kami-Tanui, Tamaki town, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 26
| Satakunari jinja
| 狭田國生神社
| Hayakawahiko no mikoto<br />Hayakawahime no mikoto<br />Yamazue no Mitama
| 速川比古命<br />速川比女命<br />山末御魂
| Sata, Tamaki town, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 27
| Takihara jinja
| 多岐原神社
| Manako no Kami
| 真奈胡の神
| Misegawa, Taiki town, <br />Watarai district
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Sessha of Toyouke Daijingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Kusanagi jinja
| 草奈伎神社
| Mishirushi no tsurugi no kami
| 御剣仗神 (標劔仗神<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The first volume (上巻) p. 65</ref>)
| Tokiwa, Ise city
|-
| 2
| Ōmakunari jinja
| 大間国生神社
| Ōwakako no mikoto<br />Otowakako no mikoto
| 大若子命<br />乙若子命
| Tokiwa, Ise city
|-
| 3
| Watarai kuimii jinja
| 度会国御神社
| Hikokunimigakitakeyotsuka no mikoto
| 彦国見賀岐建與束命
| in Gekū
|-
| 4
| Watarai ōkunitamahime jinja
| 度会大国玉比賣神社
| Ōkunitama no mikoto<br />Mizusasarahime no mikoto
| 大国玉姫命<br />弥豆佐佐良比賣命
| in Gekū
|-
| 5
| Tanoe ōmizu jinja
| 田上大水神社
| Ogoto kan-nushi
| 小事神主
| Fujisato, Ise city
|-
| 6
| Tanoe ōmizu mimae jinja
| 田上大水御前神社
| Miyako
| 宮子
| in Tanoe ōmizu jinja
|-
| 7
| Shitomi jinja
| 志等美神社
| Kukunochi no kami
| 久久能智神
| Tsujikuru, Ise city
|-
| 8
| Ōkōchi jinja
| 大河内神社
| Ōyamazumi no kami
| 大山祇神
| in Shitomi jinja
|-
| 9
| Kiyonoiba jinja
| 清野井庭神社
| Kayanohime no mikoto
| 草野姫命
| Tokiwa, Ise city
|-
| 10
| Takagawara jinja
| 高河原神社
| Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Mitama
| 月夜見尊御魂
| in Tsukiyomi no miya<br />(Gekū, 月夜見宮)
|-
| 11
| Kawara jinja
| 河原神社
| Kawa no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō (「お伊勢さんを歩こう」, Ise-Jingū-sūkei-kai, April 1, 2005) p. 15, No Hiragana in "Oise mairi" and "Jingū sessha massha junhai".</ref>
| 川神
| Misono-chō-Shingai, <br />Ise city
|-
| 12
| Kawarabuchi jinja
| 河原淵神社
| Sawahime no mikoto
| 澤姫命
| Funae, Ise city
|-
| 13
| Yamazue jinja
| 山末神社
| Ōyamatsuhime no mikoto
| 大山津姫命
| in Gekū
|-
| 14
| Usunono jinja
| 宇須乃野神社
| Usunome no mikoto
| 宇須乃女命
| Misono-chō-Takabuku, <br />Ise city
|-
| 15
| Mike jinja
| 御食神社
| Minato no miketsu kami
| 水戸御饗都
| Kamiyashiro, Ise city
|-
| 16
| Obata jinja
| 小俣神社
| Uka no Mitama no kami
| 宇賀御魂神
| Obata-chō-motomachi, <br />Ise city
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+[[Setsumatsusha|Massha]] of Kōtai Jingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Kamoshimo jinja
| 鴨下神社
| Ishikorowake no mikoto<br />Kamohiko no mikoto<br />Kamohime no mikoto
| 石己呂和居命<br />鴨比古命<br />鴨比賣命
| Katsuta, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 2
| Tsubura jinja
| 津布良神社
| Tsuburahiko no mikoto<br />Tsuburahime no mikoto
| 津布良比古命<br />津布良比賣命
| Tsubura, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 3
| Ashihara jinja
| 葦原神社
| Sasatsuhiko no mikoto<br />Ukano Mitama no mioya no mikoto <br />Ikarihime no mikoto
| 佐佐津比古命<br />宇加乃御魂御祖命<br />伊加利比売命
| in Tsukiyomi no miya<br /> (Naikū, 月讀宮)
|-
| 4
| Ogoso jinja
| 小社神社
| Takaminakami no mikoto<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 21</ref><br /> (|Takaminakami mikoto<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p. 15</ref>)
| 高水上命
| Ogoso-Sone, Tamaki, <br />Watarai district
|-
| 5
| Komori jinja
| 許母利神社
| Awashima no kami no mitama
| 粟嶋神御魂
| same as Kōzaki jinja
|-
| 6
| Niikawa jinja
| 新川神社
| Niikawahime no mikoto
| 新川比賣命
| same as Tsunaga jinja
|-
| 7
| Iwai jinja
| 石井神社
| Takaminakami no mikoto<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p. 4</ref>
| 高水上命
| same as Tsunaga jinja
|-
| 8
| Uji no nuki jinja
| 宇治乃奴鬼
| Takaminakami no mikoto<ref>"Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p. 37</ref>
| 高水上命
| Ōtoshi mioya jinja
|-
| 9
| Kanumi jinja
| 加努弥神社
| Inayorihime no mikoto
| 稲依比女命
| Kanome (Kanomi), Ise city<br />without building
|-
| 10
| Kawaai jinja
| 川相神社
| Hosokawa no mizu no kami
| 細川水神
| same as Ōmizu jinja
|-
| 11
| Kumabuchi jinja
| 熊淵神社
| Takiōtoji no kami
| 多支大刀自神
| same as Ōmizu jinja
|-
| 12
| Arasaki jinja
| 荒前神社
| Arasakihime no mikoto
| 荒前比賣命
| same as Kōzaki jinja
|-
| 13
| Najime jinja
| 那自売神社
| Ōminakami no mioya no mikoto<br />Mimonosusohime no mikoto
| 大水上御祖命<br />御裳乃須蘇比賣命
| same as Ujiyōda jinja
|-
| 14
| Ashidate jinja
| 葦立弖神社
| Tamayarahime no mikoto
| 玉移良比女命
| same as Kunitsu mioya jinja
|-
| 15
| Mumino jinja
| 牟弥乃神社
| Samukawahiko no mikoto<br />Samukawahime no mikoto
| 寒川比古命<br />寒川比女命
| same as Mifune jinja
|-
| 16
| Kagaminomiya jinja
| 鏡宮神社
| Iwanoue no futatsu no mikagami no mitama
| 岩上二面神鏡霊
| Asama, Ise city
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Massha of Toyouke Daijingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Igari jinja
| 伊我理神社
| Igarihime no mikoto
| 伊我理比女命
| in Gekū
|-
| 2
| Agata jinja
| 縣神社
| Agata no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 16</ref>
| 縣神
| same as Usuno no jinja
|-
| 3
| Inaka jinja
| 井中神社
| Inaka no kami
| 井中神
| same as Ikari jinja
|-
| 4
| Uchikake jinja
| 打縣神社
| Uchikake myōjin<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 17</ref>
| 打縣名神
| in Shitomi jinja
|-
| 5
| Akasaki jinja
| 赤崎神社
| Arasakihime no mikoto
| 荒崎姫命
| Toba, Toba city
|-
| 6
| Mori jinja
| 毛理神社
| Ki no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 15</ref>
| 木神
| same as Kawara jinja<br />(河原神社)
|-
| 7
| Ōtsu jinja
| 大津神社
| Ashihara kami<br />(Ashihara no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 8">"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 8</ref>)
| 葦原神
| in Gekū
|-
| 8
| Shioya jinja
| 志宝屋神社
| Shiotsuchi no oji
| 塩土老翁
| Ōminato, Ise city
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Shokansha of Kōtai Jingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Takimatsuri no kami
| 滝祭神
| Takimatsuri no Ōkami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 4">"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 4</ref>
| 瀧祭大神
| in Naikū<br />without building
|-
| 2
| Okitama no Kami
| 興玉神
| Okitama no Kami
| 興玉神
| in Naikū Shogū<br />without building
|-
| 3
| Miyabi no kami
| 宮比神
| Miyabi no kami
| 宮比神
| in Naikū Shogū<br />without building
|-
| 4
| Yanohahiki no kami
| 屋乃波比伎神
| Yanohahiki no kami
| 屋乃波比伎神
| in Naikū Shogū<br />without building
|-
| 5
| Misakadono
| 御酒殿
| Misakadono no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 5</ref>
| 御酒殿神
| in Naikū
|-
| 6
| Mishine no mikura
| 御稲御倉
| Mishine no mikura no kami
| 御稲御倉神
| in Naikū
|-
| 7
| Yuki no mikura
| 由貴御倉
| Yuki no mikura no kami
| 由貴御倉神
| in Naikū
|-
| 8
| Miya no meguri no kami
| 四至神
| Miya no meguri no kami
| 四至神
| in Naikū<br />without building
|-
| 9
| Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
| 神服織機殿神社
| Kan-hatori hatadono no-<br /> mamori no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō"  p. 24</ref>
| 神服織機殿神社鎮守神
| Ōgaito, [[Matsusaka, Mie|Matsusaka city]]
|-
| 10
| Massha of Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja; 8 shrines
| 神服織機殿神社末社8所
| Kan-hatori hatadono no-<br /> mamori no mimae no kami
| 神服織機殿神社鎮守御前神
| in Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
|-
| 11
| Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
| 神麻績機殿神社
| Kan-Omi hatadono no-<br /> mamori no kami<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 24</ref>
| 神麻績機殿神社鎮守神
| Iguchinaka, Matsusaka city
|-
| 12
| Massha of Kan-Omi hatadono jinja; 8 shrines
| 神麻績機殿神社末社8所
| Kan-Omi hatadono no mamori no-<br /> mimae no kami
| 神麻績機殿神社鎮守御前神
| in Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
|-
| 13
| Mishiodono jinja
| 御塩殿神社
| Mishiodono no mamori no kami
| 御塩殿神社鎮守神<ref>"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 27</ref>
| Futami-chō-Shō, Ise city
|-
| 14
| Aedohashihime jinja
| 饗土橋姫神社
| Ujibashi no mamori no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 4" />
| 宇治橋鎮守神
| Uji-Imazaike, Ise city <br />(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
|-
| 15
| Ōyamatsumi jinja
| 大山祇神社
| Ōyamazumi no kami
| 大山祇神
| in Naikū
|-
| 16
| Koyasu jinja
| 子安神社
| Konohanasakuyahime no mikoto
| 木華開耶姫命
| in Naikū <br />(side of Ōyamatsumi jinja)
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Shokansha of Toyouke Daijingū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Misakadono
| 御酒殿
| Misakadono no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 8" />
| 御酒殿神
| in Gekū
|-
| 2
| Miya no meguri no kami
| 四至神
| Miya no meguri no kami
| 四至神
| in Gekū<br />without building
|-
| 3
| Kami no mii no jinja
| 上御井神社
| Kami no mii no mamori no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 8" />
| 上御井鎮守神
| in Gekū
|-
| 4
| Shimo no mii no jinja
| 下御井神社
| Shimo no mii no mamori no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 8" />
| 下御井鎮守神
| in Gekū
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Shokansha of Betsugū
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! enshrined
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Wakamiya jinja
| 若宮神社
| Wakamiya no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 31">"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 31</ref>
| 若宮神
| in Takihara no miya
|-
| 2
| Nagayuke jinja
| 長由介神社
| Nagayuke no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 31" />
| 長由介神
| in Takihara no miya
|-
| 3
| Kawashima jinja
| 川島神社
| Kawashima no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 31" />
| 川島神
| same as Nagayuke jinja
|-
| 4
| [[Saminaga Shrine|Saminaga jinja]]
| 佐美長神社
| Shimonomii no mamori no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 29">"Oisesan wo arukō" p. 29</ref>
| 大歳神
| Isobe-chō-Erihara, Shima city
|-
| 5
| Saminaga mimae jinja; 4 shrines
| 佐美長御前神社
| Saminaga mimae no kami<ref name="Oisesan wo arukō p. 29" />
| 佐美長御前神
| in Saminaga jinja
|-
|}

=== Facilities ===
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;"
|+Facilities of Ise Shrine (not shrine)<ref>"Oise mairi"  pp. 98-103</ref>
|-
!
! name
! kanji
! articles
! kanji
! location
|-
| 1
| Yahiroden of Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
| 神服織機殿神社八尋殿
| Nigitae (silk)
| 和妙
| in Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
|-
| 2
| Yahiroden of Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
| 神麻績機殿神社八尋殿
| Aratae (hemp)
| 荒妙
| in Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
|-
| 3
| Jingu shinden<br /> (30,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 神宮神田
| Goryō-mai (rice)
| 御料米
| Kusube-chō, Ise city
|-
| 4
| Izawa no miya no omita<br /> (1,646&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 伊雑宮の御神田
| Goryō-mai (rice)
| 御料米
| Isobe-chō-Erihara, Shima city<br />(side of Izawa no miya)
|-
| 5
| Mishiohama<br /> (6,609&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 御塩浜
| brine
| 御塩
| Futami-chō-Nishi, Ise city
|-
| 6
| Mishiodono<br />Mishio kumiiresho<br />Mishio yakisho<br /> (27,785&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 御塩殿<br />御塩汲入所<br />御塩焼所
| Mishio (salt)
| 御塩
| in Mishiodono jinja
|-
| 7
| Jingū misono<br /> (19,751&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 神宮御園
| vegetables and fruits
| 野菜・果物
| Futami-chō-Mizoguchi, Ise city
|-
| 8
| Awabi chōseisho<br /> (5,946&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 鰒調製所
| noshi awabi (dried abalone)
| 熨斗鰒
| Kuzaki-chō, [[Toba, Mie|Toba city]]
|-
| 9
| Hidai chōseisho<br /> (11,242&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 干鯛調製所
| Hidai (dried sea bream)
| 干鯛
| Shinojima, [[Minamichita]] town, <br />[[Chita District]], [[Aichi Prefecture]]
|-
| 10
| Doki chōseisho<br /> (2,878&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>)
| 土器調製所
| earthenwares
| 土器
| Minomura, [[Meiwa, Mie|Meiwa town]], <br />[[Taki District, Mie|Taki District]]
|-
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Japan|Architecture}}
* [[Association of Shinto Shrines]]
* [[Atsuta Shrine]], home of the [[Kusanagi no Tsurugi|sacred sword]]
* [[List of Shinto shrines]]
* [[Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines]]
* [[Saiō]]
* ''[[Sugari no Ontachi]]''{{Snd}} One of the sacred treasures of Ise Grand Shrine
* [[Twenty-Two Shrines]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== References ==
* {{cite book|last=Aston|first=William George|author-link=William George Aston|year=1896|title=Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697 |place=London |publisher=The Japan Society, Trübner |url=https://archive.org/details/nihongichronicl00astogoog}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Bock|first1=Felicia G.|title=The Rites of Renewal at Ise|journal=Monumenta Nipponica|date=1974|volume=29|issue=1|pages=55–68|jstor=2383463 |doi=10.2307/2383463}}
* {{cite book|last=Bocking|first=Brian|title=The Oracles of the Three Shrines: Windows on Japanese Religion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=il5cAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA51|year=2013|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-136-84552-9}}
* {{cite book|last1=Breen|first1=John|last2=Teeuwen|first2=Mark|title=Shinto in History: Ways of the Kami|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MADlfH002mAC|year=2000|publisher=University of Hawaii Press |isbn=978-0-8248-2363-4}}
* {{cite book|last1=Fletcher|first1=Banister|author-link1=Sir Banister Fletcher|last2=Cruickshank |first2=Dan|title=Sir Banister Fletcher's a History of Architecture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gt1jTpXAThwC |year=1996|publisher=Architectural Press|isbn=978-0-7506-2267-7}}
* Hvass, Svend M. (1998). ''Ise{{Snd}} Japan's Ise Shrines{{Snd}} Ancient yet New''. Copenhagen. Aristo Publishing. {{ISBN|87-985103-3-9}}
* [[Richard Ponsonby-Fane|Ponsonby-Fane, Richard]]. (1962). ''Studies in Shinto and Shrines.'' Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society. [http://www.worldcat.org/wcpa/oclc/3994492 OCLC 399449]
* {{cite book|author1=Kenzo Tange|author2=Noboru Kawazoe|title=Ise: Prototype of Japanese Architecture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIH_PQAACAAJ|year=1965|publisher=MIT Press|isbn=978-0-262-20006-6}}

== External links ==
{{Commons and category|Ise Shrine|Ise Shrine}}
{{Wikivoyage|Ise}}
* {{official website|http://www.isejingu.or.jp/foreign/index.html}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150311175556/http://www.iseshima-kanko.jp/html/en/ise_jingu.html Ise Jingu – Iseshima General Sightseeing Guide]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090506202855/http://www.ise-kanko.jp/english/html/sight/sight.html Ise City Tourist Industry Society]
* [https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-8428-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 New York Public Library Digital Gallery, early photograph of Ise Shrine compound]
* [https://www.cca.qc.ca/en/search?query=Yoshio%20Watanabe&filters=%7B%22forms_collection_library_bookstore%22%3A%5B%22photographs%22%5D%7D&img_filter=1 Photographs of the Ise Shrine by Yoshio Watanabe], [[Canadian Centre for Architecture]]
* [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-japanese-shrine-has-been-torn-down-and-rebuilt-every-20-years-for-the-past-millennium-575558/ Smithsonian Magazine – This Japanese Shrine]
* [https://www.accessible-japan.com/places/japan/mie/ise/attractions/ise-grand-shrine/ Wheelchair Accessibility of Shrine]
* {{osmrelation-inline|7927695|Ise Shrine Naikū}}
{{Shinto shrine}}
{{Sun temples}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Shinmei shrines}}

[[Category:Ise Shrine| ]]
[[Category:7th-century establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:Jingū]]
[[Category:Shinto shrines in Mie Prefecture]]
[[Category:Asuka period]]
[[Category:Yayoi period]]
[[Category:Sun temples]]
[[Category:Japanese imperialism and colonialism]]
[[Category:Rebuilt buildings and structures in Japan]]
[[Category:692 establishments]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in the 690s]]
[[Category:7th-century Shinto shrines]]
[[Category:Ise, Mie]]
[[Category:Twenty-Two Shrines]]
[[Category:Shinmei shrines]]
[[Category:Shikinai Taisha]]
[[Category:Shinmei-zukuri]]