Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

We took the JR from Toba cruise port, then took taxi to the street vendors about 20 min walk from Ise Jingu. There were a lot of unique stores that sell all kinds of local goods, we enjoyed the walk so much. Ise Jingu was a big place to walk around, cherry blossoms were not at their peak but still very impressive to see in a beautiful natural environment.

For those who are not Japanese: please be prepared to dress respectfully, act respectfully, and talk respectfully within the shrine! I saw one white girl tourist wearing revealing tube top within the shrine today, it’s probably taken as disrespectful act by locals. Please clean your both hands and your mouth at the entrance, people do vow before and after entering the torii gate, (supposed to) not walk the center part of the street after passing the gate (supposingly the center is where gods walk). No taking pictures if it says so. This shrine is not a tourist spot like some other shrines. Please be respectful! Thank you. I know it is for all the other shrines and temples too, but this shrine is really something else for Japanese people. Goddess Amaterasu is known to be the most fierce Goddess. The way to pray: two 90 degree vows, two hand claps, and one more vow at the end to close the 🙏!

Ise shrine is the shrine for 天照大神 (Amaterasu-ōmikami or the god of Sun), one of the most important deities in Shinto and also considered as the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. It is a really quiet place with few foreign tourists, and I would say the overall vibe is somewhat similar to the Meiji shrine in Tokyo. There's not a lot to check out here and photography is prohibited in the main shrine, but I really enjoyed the peaceful trip regardless. The parking lot is perpetually crowded during the day, so it's recommended to go to the other official parking lots 20-min walk away.

Ise Jingu: A Sacred Sanctuary of Timeless Spirituality Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) is not just a shrine—it’s a living embodiment of Japan’s spiritual heart, where nature, tradition, and divinity intertwine in perfect harmony. As the most sacred Shinto site in Japan, dedicated to Amaterasu-ōmikami (the Sun Goddess), it offers an unparalleled experience of serenity, reverence, and connection to the eternal. Here’s why it deserves a flawless 5-star review for its profound spiritual essence: 1. A Divine Link to Japan’s Soul Ise Jingu is said to house the Yata no Kagami (Sacred Mirror), one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, symbolizing Amaterasu’s presence. Pilgrims have visited for over 2,000 years, believing the shrine to be a direct bridge between humanity and the kami (gods). The atmosphere hums with an indescribable purity—every step along the forested paths feels like walking through a sacred dream. 2. The Ritual of Rebirth: Shikinen Sengū Every 20 years, the shrine’s inner and outer sanctuaries (Naikū and Gekū) are completely rebuilt in an ancient ritual called Shikinen Sengū. This practice, unchanged since 690 AD, reflects the Shinto belief in renewal, impermanence (mono no aware), and the cyclical nature of life. Witnessing this tradition—or even knowing it exists—adds a deep, metaphysical dimension to the visit, reminding us that divinity is eternal, even as its forms change. 3. Nature as Sacred Architecture Unlike grand temples adorned with gold, Ise Jingu’s beauty lies in its simplicity and harmony with nature. The shrine’s cypress wood structures, thatched roofs, and unpainted timber follow Yuitsu-Shinmei-zukuri, a style reserved only for Ise. The surrounding ancient cedar forests are considered part of the shrine itself, with the Isuzu River acting as a purifying boundary. The act of crossing the Uji Bridge symbolizes leaving the mundane world behind. 4. A Pilgrimage of Purification Visiting Ise Jingu is a spiritual cleanse. Before approaching the inner shrine, pilgrims perform misogi (ritual purification) at the river, washing hands and mouth to purify body and mind. The act of bowing, clapping, and offering a prayer (norito) at the main hall is a moment of profound stillness—where time seems to pause, and the kami feel palpably near. 5. The Energy of Ujiyamada & Oharai-machi The surrounding town, Ujiyamada, and the Oharai-machi district leading to the shrine, are extensions of its sacred energy. Traditional shops serve akafuku mochi (red bean rice cakes), said to be blessed by the gods, while local craftsmen create omamori (charms) infused with Ise’s spiritual power. Even the air here feels different—lighter, clearer, as if touched by the divine. Final Verdict Ise Jingu is more than a destination; it’s a soul experience. Whether you’re drawn by Shinto mysticism, the hypnotic chants of priests, or the whispering forest that seems to breathe with the kami, this shrine transcends time. For those seeking a place where heaven and earth meet, Ise Jingu is nothing short of perfection.

Important Shinto temple. It's a pleasure to walk in the beautiful forest. Very recommended visit when in Japan.

Visiting Kotai Jingu, the Inner Sanctuary of Ise Jingu, was a truly special experience for me. It’s known as the spiritual heart of Japan, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and just being there felt incredibly humbling. Crossing the wooden Uji Bridge over the peaceful Isuzu River set the tone for the visit—it felt like stepping into a place that has been cared for and renewed for centuries. The tradition of rebuilding the shrine every 20 years really speaks to the deep respect for renewal and nature in Shinto beliefs. Before entering, I joined the ritual of cleansing at the temizuya, washing my hands and mouth—it was a simple act but helped me feel mentally and physically prepared to be in such a sacred place. Though you can’t enter the inner sanctuary itself, standing quietly at the curtained gate and taking in the minimalist beauty of the unpainted cypress architecture was moving. The whole area is surrounded by towering trees and peaceful paths, making it easy to reflect and feel connected to something bigger. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which actually made me appreciate the moment even more—it’s a reminder to fully experience the shrine with all my senses and respect the space. Overall, visiting Kotai Jingu felt like a spiritual journey. The combination of history, nature, and tradition left a deep impression on me, and it’s a place I’d recommend to anyone wanting to feel the true heart of Japan.

They said that you should visit the Ise Shrines at least once in your life. I visited the Naiku shrine with my family . It is not necessary to say much.

This is a once-a-lifetime destination for most Japanese people. A lot less tourists here since it is out of the way from other major cities. It’s a scenic and peaceful, and it should be on your bucket list.