Ise: Naiku

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.

After lunch we went to Naiku which is dedicated to Amaterasu the sun goddess and guardian of Japan.

First one crosses over the Isuzu River over a bridge with a Torii gate on either end.

In addition to the regular temizusha for purification, there was also a spot by the river for washing.

Also a peaceful walk.

There were many smaller shrines dedicated to various kami dispersed around the wooded site.

Each building also has an adjacent site where it is rebuilt every 20 years.

The main shrine was similar to Geku. Here we got to witness a large group enter the shrine to be blessed. Frank was kind enough to inquire for me and find out that the minimum payment required was only ¥2000, much less than we thought.