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Ise Jingu Naiku (Inner Shrine)

三重県

Japan's highest shrine enshrining Amaterasu — 20-year Shikinen Sengu rebuilding has continued for 1,300 years

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Shrine

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近鉄宇治山田駅または伊勢市駅からバス15分「内宮前」下車

1 Ujikan-cho, Ise, Mie

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Shrine

Enshrined Deity

天照大御神

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Overview

The Naiku (Kotai Jingu), heart of Ise Jingu, enshrines Amaterasu Omikami on the Isuzu River. Founded about 2,000 years ago, the Shikinen Sengu — rebuilding every 20 years — has continued 1,300+ years. The 500-cedar approach leads to the Goshoden, preserving the ancient Shinmei-zukuri style regarded as the origin of Japanese architecture.

Origins

According to the Nihon Shoki, the shrine was established at its present site during the reign of Emperor Suinin. The first Shikinen Sengu — the ceremonial rebuilding of the shrine every 20 years — was held in 690, the fourth year of Empress Jito's reign, and the practice has continued ever since. Si…

Pilgrimage Courses

Shinbutsu Reijo Pilgrimage

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Ise Grand Shrine Pilgrimage

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Divine Benefits

Purification

Abundant Harvest

Career Advancement

Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.

Derived from the enshrined deity "天照大御神"

祭
Festivals & Events
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1月

Ise Jingu Hatsumode

New Year's visit to Japan's most sacred shrine, drawing about 500,000 visitors over three days.

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記
Related Articles
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Ise Jingu Naiku Complete Guide: Rituals and History of Japan's Greatest Shrine

Ise Jingu Naiku, home to Amaterasu Omikami, is Japan's highest-ranking shrine with over 2,000 years of history. This guide covers proper pilgrimage etiquette, highlights from Uji Bridge to the main sanctuary, and recommended routes including Geku and Futami.

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The Sacred Rites of Ise Jingu: The Inner and Outer Shrines and the Philosophy of Shikinen Sengu

Ise Jingu, comprising the Inner Shrine of Amaterasu and the Outer Shrine of Toyouke, maintains its sacred precincts in a perpetual cycle of renewal through the Shikinen Sengu — a complete rebuilding every 20 years. This article explores its architectural philosophy and ritual thought.

basics

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記

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.

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もっと詳しく · 4

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Related Figures
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Emperor Jinmu

First Emperor of Japan

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Amaterasu Omikami is the ancestral deity of Emperor Jinmu (the first emperor) and the divine source of the imperial family's legitimacy. The 'divine mandate of eternal heavenly rule' declared that Amaterasu's descendants would govern Japan forever, and Ise Jingu has been venerated for approximately 2,000 years as the supreme sacred site where successive emperors pray for national prosperity.

Empress Jitō

Empress Who Built Fujiwara-kyō

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In 690, Empress Jito institutionalized the Shikinen Sengu — the ritual rebuilding of the shrine every 20 years. This practice has continued for over 1,300 years, making it the world's unique architectural tradition of renewal. Jito's institutionalization permanently bound the imperial house to Ise Jingu.

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Visiting Information

Hours

The shrine precincts are open for worship at any time within the gate hours, which vary by month: Jan–Apr & Sep 5:00–18:00; May–Aug 5:00–19:00; Oct–Dec 5:00–17:00. Special hours apply during the New Year period.

Admission

Free admission to the shrine grounds.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Related Spots

Tado Taisha

Paired with Tado Taisha in the saying 'If you visit Ise, visit Tado as well.' Both are theologically connected — Tado enshrines a child deity of Amaterasu, who is enshrined at Ise Naiku.

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Taga Taisha

Amaterasu (enshrined at Ise) is the daughter of Izanagi (enshrined at Taga). The relationship is reflected in the saying 'Taga is the parent of Ise.'

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