Best of Ise

Ise Essentials

Ise serves as the spiritual center of Japan, anchored by the Ise Grand Shrine complex. This selection features both the Geku (Outer Shrine) and Naiku (Inner Shrine), alongside subordinate sites like Tsukiyomi-no-miya and Sarutahiko Shrine. Beyond the sacred precincts, the list includes the historic Kawasaki merchant district, where Edo-period warehouses highlight the city's commercial history, and Ise Sea Paradise, an aquarium focused on interactive marine life encounters.

MOTOI Kenkichi / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ise Jingu

The Ise Grand Shrine, located in Ise, Mie Prefecture of Japan, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Ise-Jingu Geku

The Outer Shrine of the Ise Grand Shrine complex is dedicated to Toyouke-Omikami, the deity of food, clothing, and shelter. Traditionally visited before the Inner Shrine, its architecture follows the ancient Yuiitsu Shinmei-zukuri style.

Miyuki Meinaka / CC BY-SA 4.0

Sarutahiko Shrine

Located near the Inner Shrine, this sanctuary is dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, the Shinto deity of guidance and crossroads. The shrine grounds feature an octagonal stone pillar used for divination and spiritual guidance.

Xjm91587 / Public domain

伊勢シーパラダイス

An aquarium specializing in close-contact experiences with marine mammals, including walruses, seals, and clawless otters. It is situated along the coast of Futami, adjacent to the Meoto Iwa rocks.

N yotarou / CC BY-SA 4.0

月讀宮

A subordinate shrine of the Inner Shrine dedicated to the moon deity Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto. The site contains four separate sanctuary buildings arranged in a row, each constructed from cypress wood in the traditional Shinto style.

Podlipo / CC BY-SA 4.0

Isekawasakisyouninkan

A restored Edo-period sake wholesaler complex in the historic Kawasaki district. The facility includes 12 registered tangible cultural properties, including traditional warehouses that now house exhibits on Ise's merchant history and commercial culture.