Ise: Geku

Ise is a site of many Shinto shrines. All of the shrine buildings are rebuilt on adjacent ground every 20 years using traditional techniques. The last time was in 2013, where a ceremony is held to transfer the deity from the old to the new. In extreme contrast to how ornate the buildings were in Nikko, these are very simple, woodem structures. There are two main shrine complexes, Geku and Naiku.

First we visited Geku. This complex is dedicated to Toyo'uke no Omikami who provides abundant harvests and is the Guardian of well being, providing clothes, food and shelter.

There is always at least one Torii gate

The small museum onsite gave information about the shrines of Ise (Ise Jingu) and the ceremony moving to the new building. There was a beautiful garden outside.

The paths through the woods were peaceful.

There were a number of smaller shrines dedicated to different kami.

The main sanctuary is closed to visitors, but we could stand outside the fence and look in.

I might have accidentally set my camera off in the direction of a man who came to go inside an be blessed. (You can do anything for the right price...)

Next to the main sanctuary is the Kodenchi, the alternate site where the next shrine will be built.

And of course administrative buildings