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Amaterasu Omikami and Ise Jingu: A Guide to Japan's Supreme Deity
Amaterasu Omikami is Japan's supreme deity, enshrined at Ise Jingu. This guide covers the inner and outer shrines, the cave-hiding myth, and the nationwide spread of Amaterasu faith.
聖
Author
Hijiri
| Shrines & Temples
Contents
MOKUJI
一
Who Is Amaterasu Omikami?
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二
Ise Jingu: Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine
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三
The Myth of the Heavenly Cave
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四
Amaterasu Faith Across Japan
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五
Frequently Asked Questions
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六
Summary: Pilgrimage Guide
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Uji Bridge at Ise Jingu Naiku, the gateway to Japan's most sacred shrine
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Amaterasu Omikami is the supreme deity of Japanese mythology, ruler of Takamagahara (the Plain of High Heaven). As the ancestral deity of the imperial family and guardian of Japan, she has been revered for over two thousand years. The Ise Jingu Naiku, which enshrines her divine spirit, stands as Japan’s most sacred site.
Who Is Amaterasu Omikami?
Supreme Ruler of Takamagahara
Amaterasu Omikami means “Great Deity Who Illuminates Heaven.” According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, she was born from the left eye of Izanagi no Mikoto during purification rites. As the embodiment of solar brilliance, she reigns supreme over all deities of Takamagahara.
Ancestral Deity of the Imperial House
Amaterasu holds a unique position as the ancestral deity of the Imperial family. At Ise Jingu Naiku, the Yata no Kagami (sacred mirror) — one of the Three Imperial Treasures — is enshrined as her divine body.
Ise Jingu: Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine
The main sanctuary of Ise Jingu Naiku, housing the sacred Yata no Kagami mirror
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Ise Jingu comprises 125 shrines centered on the Naiku (Inner Shrine) and Geku (Outer Shrine).
Comparison of Naiku and Geku
Item
Naiku (Inner Shrine)
Geku (Outer Shrine)
Deity
Amaterasu Omikami
Toyouke Omikami (food and industry)
Location
Ujibashi riverside, Isuzu River
Yamada Plain
Founded
Approx. 2,000 years ago
Approx. 1,500 years ago
Significance
Ancestral deity of the imperial house
Provides sacred meals for Amaterasu
Proper order
Visit after the Geku
Visit first
The proper sequence is Geku first, then Naiku.
Shikinen Sengu: Renewal Through Rebuilding
Every 20 years, Ise Jingu undergoes the Shikinen Sengu — a complete rebuilding of the sanctuaries. This concept of “perpetuation through renewal” embodies a profound Japanese spiritual philosophy.
Amano Iwato Shrine East Main Hall in Takachiho, Miyazaki — site of the Ama no Iwato myth
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Myth of the Heavenly Cave
The Conflict with Susanoo
Amaterasu’s brother Susanoo no Mikoto devastated Takamagahara. Amaterasu withdrew into the Ama no Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave), plunging the world into darkness.
The eight million deities gathered near Amano Iwato Shrine. When Ame no Uzume performed a divine dance causing uproarious laughter, Amaterasu opened the cave slightly — and Tajikarao pulled it fully open, restoring light to the world.
This myth is reenacted nightly in sacred kagura dances at Takachiho Shrine.
Amaterasu Faith Across Japan
Takachiho Shrine main hall, where nightly kagura dances reenact the Ama no Iwato story
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Shinmei Shrines: 30,000 Enshrining Points
Shinmei-sha enshrine Amaterasu as their principal deity and number approximately 30,000 across Japan. They all look to Ise Jingu Naiku as their head shrine (sohonsha).
Tokyo Daijingu: Reverence in the Capital
Tokyo Daijingu was established in 1880 as a place of worship for those who could not make the journey to Ise. Enshrining both Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, it continues to welcome thousands of worshippers daily.
Tokyo Daijingu shrine, established 1880 as a place of reverence for Ise Jingu in the capital
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Amaterasu and the Japanese imperial family?
Amaterasu is the ancestral deity of the imperial family. According to the myth of Tenson Korin, all Japanese emperors descend from Amaterasu through Ninigi no Mikoto. Imperial rituals at the Kashikodokoro shrine maintain this sacred connection today.
Should I visit the Geku before the Naiku?
Yes, visiting the Geku first is the proper custom. Toyouke Omikami provides sacred meals for Amaterasu, so etiquette calls for greeting her first. The two shrines are approximately 6 kilometers apart.
Can I visit the site of the Ama no Iwato myth?
Yes. Amano Iwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki marks the mythological site. The nightly kagura at Takachiho Shrine depicts the cave-hiding story in sacred dance.
What is the difference between Shinmei shrines and Hachiman shrines?
Shinmei shrines enshrine Amaterasu Omikami (solar deity, ancestral to the imperial family), while Hachiman shrines enshrine Emperor Ojin (deity of military prowess). Both number approximately 30,000 nationally.
Summary: Pilgrimage Guide
Pilgrimage Tips
•
Visit Geku before Naiku — the proper sequence
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Purify your hands at Isuzu River’s Mitarashi before entering Naiku
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At the main sanctuary, offer gratitude rather than personal requests
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Early morning visits provide the most serene atmosphere
Related Spots
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Ise Jingu Naiku — Japan’s premier sacred site, enshrining Amaterasu’s divine mirror
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Ise Jingu Geku — Outer shrine to visit first
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Amano Iwato Shrine — Mythological site of the cave-hiding episode
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Takachiho Shrine — Nightly sacred kagura depicting the Ama no Iwato story
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Tokyo Daijingu — Tokyo’s Ise reverence hall, founded 1880
Last updated: May 25, 2026
── 了 ──
聖
Author
Hijiri（ひじり）
Shrines & Temples
Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.
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