Ise Grand Shrine

Shinto shrine in Japan
The Grand Shrine of Ise
伊勢神宮 (Ise Jingū)
Naikū, Ise Shrine MapMap of Naikū
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeityAmaterasu
Location
LocationIse, Mie Prefecture, Japan
34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E / 34.45500°N 136.72583°E / 34.45500; 136.72583
Architecture
StyleShinmei zukuri
Date established4 B.C.E.
Glossary of Shinto
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The Grand Shrine of Ise (Japanese: 伊勢神宮, Hepburn: Ise Jingū), located in Ise, Mie Prefecture of Japan, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the solar goddess Amaterasu. Officially known simply as Jingū (神宮), Ise Jingū is a shrine complex composed of many Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, Naikū [ja] (内宮) and Gekū [ja] (外宮).

The Inner Shrine, Naikū (also officially known as "Kōtai Jingū"), is dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu and is located in the town of Uji-tachi, south of central Ise, where she is believed to dwell. The shrine buildings are made of solid cypress wood and use no nails but instead joined wood. The Outer Shrine, Gekū (also officially known as "Toyouke Daijingū"), is located about six kilometers from Naikū and dedicated to Toyouke-Ōmikami, the god of agriculture, rice harvest and industry.[1] Besides Naikū and Gekū, there are an additional 123 Shinto shrines in Ise City and the surrounding areas, 91 of them connected to Naikū and 32 to Gekū.[2]

Purportedly the home of the Sacred Mirror, the shrine is one of Shinto's holiest and most important sites.[3] Access to both sites is strictly limited, with the general public not allowed beyond sight of the thatched roofs of the central structures, hidden behind four tall wooden fences. However, tourists are free to roam the forest, including its ornamental walkways which date back to the Meiji period.

During the Edo period, it is estimated that one out of ten Japanese conducted an Okage Mairi pilgrimage to the shrine. Accordingly, pilgrimage to the shrine flourished in both commercial and religious frequency. According to historical documents, 3.62 million people visited the shrine in 50 days in 1625, and 1.18 million people visited the shrine in three days in 1829 when the grand festival held every 20 years was held.[4] Because the shrine is considered sanctuary, no security checkpoints were conducted, as it was considered sacrilege by the faithful. The two main shrines of Ise are joined by a pilgrimage road that passes through the old entertainment district of Furuichi.

The chief priest or priestess of Ise Shrine must be related to the Imperial House of Japan and is responsible for watching over the Shrine. The current High Priestess of the shrine is the daughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, former Princess Sayako Kuroda.[5]

Establishment of the Shrine

A free-range chicken roaming the grounds, considered to be the divine messenger of Amaterasu.

According to the Nihon Shoki, around 2000 years ago the divine Yamatohime-no-mikoto, daughter of the Emperor Suinin, set out from Mt. Miwa in modern Nara Prefecture in search of a permanent location to worship the goddess Amaterasu, wandering for 20 years through the regions of Omi and Mino. Her search eventually brought her to Ise, in modern Mie Prefecture, where she is said to have established Naikū after hearing the voice of Amaterasu saying "(Ise) is a secluded and pleasant land. In this land I wish to dwell."[6] Before Yamatohime-no-mikoto's journey, Amaterasu had been worshiped at the imperial residence in Yamato, then briefly at Kasanui in the eastern Nara basin. When Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto arrived at the village of Uji-tachi, she set up fifty bells to designate the area as enshrined for the goddess Amaterasu, which is why the river is called the Isuzu, or "fifty bells".[7]

Geku was founded after Emperor Yuryaku dreamt that he saw Amaterasu. She said she was unable to get food and asked him to bring Toyouke-hime from Tanba help her with food.[8]

Bird's eye view of the area surrounding the Gekū shrine

Besides the traditional establishment date of 4 BC,[9] other dates of the 3rd and 5th centuries have been put forward for the establishment of Naikū and Gekū respectively. The first shrine building at Naikū was erected by Emperor Tenmu (678–686), with the first ceremonial rebuilding being carried out by his wife, Empress Jitō, in 692.[10]

The shrine was foremost among a group of shrines which became objects of imperial patronage in the early Heian period.[11] In 965, Emperor Murakami ordered imperial messengers to be sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines including the Ise Shrine.[12]

Chief priestess / chief priest

From the late 7th century until the 14th century, the role of chief priestess of Ise Shrine was carried out by a female member of the Imperial House of Japan known as a Saiō. According to the Man'yōshū, the first saiō to serve at the shrine was Princess Ōku, daughter of Emperor Tenmu, during the Asuka period. Mention of Ise Shrine's saiō is also made in the Aoi, Sakaki and Yugao chapters of The Tale of Genji as well as in the 69th chapter of The Tales of Ise. The saiō system ended during the turmoil of the Nanboku-chō period.

During the Empire of Japan and the establishment of State Shinto, the position of chief priest of the Ise Shrine was fulfilled by the reigning emperor and the Meiji, Taisho and Shōwa Emperors all played the role of chief priest during their reigns.

Since the disestablishment of State Shinto during the Occupation of Japan, the offices of chief priest and most sacred priestess have been held by former members of the imperial family or their descendants. The current chief priest of the shrine is Takatsukasa Naotake [ja], adoptive son of Takatsukasa Kazuko. He succeeded Kitashirakawa Michihisa, a great-grandson of Emperor Meiji, in 2007. Takatsukasa Kazuko was succeeded by her younger sister, Ikeda Atsuko. In 2012, Ikeda was joined by her niece Sayako Kuroda, sole daughter of Emperor Akihito, to serve as a high priestess under her. On 19 June 2017, Sayako officially replaced her aunt as supreme priestess.[5]

Shrine architecture

Okihiki Festival in May 2007, exhibiting wood to build the next shrine.

The architectural style of the Ise shrine is known as shinmei-zukuri, characterized by extreme simplicity and antiquity; its basic principles date back to the Kofun period (250–538 C.E.). The shrine buildings use a special variant of this style called yuitsu-shinmei-zukuri (唯一神明造), which may not be used in the construction of any other shrine. Yuitsu-shinmei-zukuri style replicates the architectural features of early rice granaries.[13] The old shrines are dismantled and new ones built on an adjacent site to exacting specifications every 20 years at exorbitant expense, so that the buildings will be forever new and forever ancient and original. The present buildings, dating from 2013, are the 62nd iteration to date and are scheduled for rebuilding in 2033.

Main shrine building, Naiku

The shrine at Naikū is constructed of Japanese cypress. Built on pillars set directly in the ground, the shrine building measures 10.9 by 5.5 meters and includes a raised floor, verandas all the way around the building and a staircase leading to a single central doorway. The Naikū does not have any windows.[13] The roof is made of thatched reed with ten billets (katsuogi) located on the ridge of the roof, the bargeboards of which project beyond the roof to form the distinctive forked finials (chigi) at the ends of the ridge. The chigi on the roof of the Naikū are flat on top, rather than pointed, which serves as a distinction for the gender of the deity being represented. In the case of Ise, Amaterasu, a female deity, is represented at the shrine, which is why the chigi are flat.[14] The roof ridge is supported by two free-standing columns called the munamochi-bashira. The katsuogi, chigi and munamochi-bashira are stylised forms of older storehouse building techniques that pre-date the introduction of Buddhist architecture in Japan.[15]

The empty site beside the shrine building, the site where the previous shrine once stood and where the next will be built, is called the kodenchi. This area is strewn with large white pebbles and is left totally empty apart from the oi-ya, a small wooden hut containing a wooden pole a little over 2 metres in height called the shin-no-mihashira (new sacred central pole). When a new shrine is built, it is built around the sacred central pole before the removal of the oi-ya, so that the central pole is never seen. The central pole of the old shrine will then have a new oi-ya erected so that the shin-no-mihashira also remains unseen.[10]

The erection of a single post in the center of a sacred area strewn with stones represents the form taken by Japanese places of worship in very ancient times; the shin-no-mihashira would thus be the survival of a symbolism from a very primitive symbolism to the present day.[16]

Rebuilding the Shrine

Ukiyo-e depicting the Sengū ceremony (relocation of kami) when it was rebuilt in 1849. by Hiroshige, 1849
Ise Grand Shrine Ukiyo-e with Emperor Meiji (center) worshipping Ise Jingu on a portable shrine (March 11, 1869)

The shrine buildings at Naikū and Gekū, as well as the Uji Bridge, are rebuilt every 20 years as a part of the Shinto belief in tokowaka (常若), which means renewing objects to maintain a strong sense of divine prestige in pursuit of eternity, and as a way of passing building techniques from one generation to the next.[17][18] The twenty-year renewal process is called the Shikinen Sengū. Although the goal of Sengū is to get the shrine built within the 20-year period, there have been some instances, especially because of war, where the shrine building process is postponed or delayed.[19] The original physical purpose of the Sengu process is unknown. However, it is believed that it serves to maintain the longevity of the shrine, or possibly as a gesture to the deity enclosed within the shrine. Historically, this cyclical reconstruction has been practiced for many years in various shrines throughout Japan, meaning that it is not a process exclusive to Ise. The entire reconstruction process takes more or less 17 years, with the initial years focusing on project organization and general planning, and the last 8 years focusing on the physical construction of the shrine.

The shrine has evolved throughout the years in its reconstruction, while maintaining some of its key features. The shrine was not originally constructed with gold copper adornments; however, because of advancements in technology as well as Buddhist influence, it gained them over the years.[20] Another example of Buddhist influence on the shrine is the use of Suedama, which are Buddhist orbs seen on various religious structures. It symbolizes a sacred jewel, and is comparable to nyoi-shu, orbs which many Buddhist figures are displayed holding.[13] Initially, the shrine was constructed of locally sourced Hinoki wood, which served as an ideal building material due to its physical properties. The abundance of local Hinoki wood was short lived, and the shrine currently obtains the wood through other domestic producers, who ensure that only the best wood is being used for the construction. Before the wood is usable in building the shrine, it must be put through a lengthy seasoning and drying process where it is in a pond for several years and then dried.[20]

The team which builds the shrine is typically formed around a few factors. Since many of the building techniques haven't changed since the creation of the Ise Shrine, the workers who are hired to build the shrine must be skilled in specific techniques. Power tools are not allowed within the area of the shrine, which means that skilled artisans and carpenters known as miyadaiku[13] are necessary in the construction process. The unit of workers is also organized around relative skill levels, and less experienced workers will work on smaller tasks than more experienced workers. The importance of hiring specifically local artisans has decreased throughout time, for the pool of available miyadaiku has thinned out.[20] Specialized work and the specific materials come with a cost; in 2013, the shrine was built from private donations alone, totaling 57 billion Japanese Yen (US$550 million).[21]

Land before Sengū ceremony, 2005.

In August, in a long-standing tradition, the people who live in Ise are allowed to enter the area around the Inner Sanctum of the Naiku as well as the Geku. Some villages drag a wooden carriage laden with white stones up the Isuzu River onto the grounds of the Naiku. Each participant gets two white stones in a white handkerchief and these allow them to place the stones in the area around the Inner Sanctum. Other villages drag a huge wooden cart or Noburi Kuruma laden with white stones to the Uji bridge at the entrance of the grounds of the Naiku. Participants receive two white stones which are also placed in the sacred space around the Inner Sanctum. The entire tradition is called Shiraisshiki and it is very colourful with every participant wearing a happi coat representing a particular village. The rebuilding of the main shrine takes place on a site adjacent to the old, and each rebuilding alternates between the two sites. The next scheduled rebuilding of Naikū is due in 2033 on the lower, northern site. Various other religious ceremonies are held with the completion of the shrine, each serving different purposes.[20]

In the lead-up to the rebuilding of the shrines, a number of festivals are held to mark special events. The Okihiki Festival is held in the spring over two consecutive years and involves people from surrounding towns dragging huge wooden logs through the streets of Ise to Naikū and Gekū. In the lead-up to the 2013 rebuilding, the Okihiki festival was held in 2006 and 2007. A year after the completion of the Okihiki festival, carpenters begin preparing the wood for its eventual use in the Shrine.

Annual festivals

The Otaue ceremony.

From the late seventh century, when the festivals and offerings of Ise Shrine became more formalised, a number of annual events have been performed at both Naikū and Gekū. The Tsukinamisai, which was held in June and December, as well as the Kannamesai Festival in September, were the only three offerings performed by the Saiō, an imperial princess who served as high priestess of the shrine until the 14th century.[22] These offerings are based on the cycle of the agricultural year and are still performed today.

The first important ceremony of the modern calendar year is the Kinen-sai, where prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest. Kazahinomisai, where prayers for fair weather and sufficient rains are made, is held twice a year in May and August at both Naikū and Gekū.

Autumn Kagura Festival.

The most important annual festival held at Ise Shrine is the Kannamesai Festival (神嘗祭). Held in October each year, this ritual makes offerings of the first harvest of crops for the season to Amaterasu. An imperial envoy carries the offering of rice harvested by the Emperor himself to Ise, as well as five-coloured silk cloth and other materials, called heihaku.[23]

Besides the agricultural ceremonies already mentioned, ceremonies and festivals are held throughout the year at both Naikū and Gekū to celebrate things such as the new year, the foundation of Japan, the past emperors, purification rituals for priests and court musicians, good sake fermentation and the Emperor's birthday. There are also daily food offerings to the shrine kami held both in the mornings and evenings.[24]

Gekū – the outer shrine

Toyouke Daijingu
豊受大神宮 (Toyouke Daijingu)
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeityToyoukebime
Location
LocationIse, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Ise Grand Shrine is located in Japan
Ise Grand Shrine
Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E / 34.45500°N 136.72583°E / 34.45500; 136.72583
Architecture
Date established4 BCE
Glossary of Shinto

Toyouke Daijingu [ja] (豊受大神宮) is a shrine to Toyoukebime, the food goddess, located in Ise Grand Shrine. it is also colloquially known as Gekū [ja] (外宮, lit. outer shrine).[25] In pilgrimage customs people traditionally visit this shrine first and then Kotai jingu which is located 4 km to the south[25]

The shrine was founded after Emperor Yuryaku dreamt that he saw Amaterasu. She said she was unable to get food and asked him to bring Toyouke-hime from Tanba help her with food.[8]

Daiichi-torii-guchi Sando

Daiichi-torii-guchi Sando is the primary route into the shrine. It is a Sandō that starts at the Hiyokebashi bridge entrance, and beyond this bridge, the Temizusha (ablution font) is visible on the left side.[25]

Temizusha

A Temizusha is present at the shrine for worshippers to purify .[25]

Kitamikado-guchi Sando

An alternative entrance path for the shrine.[25]

Saikan and Anzaisho

Saikan and Anzaisho are the Purification Hall and Hall for Imperial Household Visitors respectively. They are on the right side of the pilgrimage path. The Saikan, which is surrounded by fences, is used by Shinto priests to purify themselves. They stay here for one or two nights to cleanse their minds from worldly concerns before performing rituals, as they bathe and eat meals prepared with sacred fire to achieve spiritual serenity; adjacent to Saikan, there is a building called Anzaisho, which serves as the Hall for the Emperor and Empress.[25]

Kaguraden

There is a large Kaguraden at Geku.[25]

Honden

Toyouke Omikami is enshrined at the Honden. It lies in the most sacred area enclosed by four rows of fences, and the structure remains unchanged from 1500 years ago. Worshippers can only approach the first gate.[25]

History

In Japanese mythology Toyouke-hime was either killed by Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto[a][26] or by Susanoo-no-Mikoto.[b] Amaterasu mourned the death of her and in the Nihon Shoki the reason the sun and the moon are on opposite sides of the sky is that Amaterasu was unwilling to go near Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto the moon god after he committed the murder.[26] Amaterasu is linked with Toyouke-hime as the sun is necessary for food to grow. This was prior to the Tenson Korin and the establishment of Ise Jingu. Emperor Suinin is said to have established the shrine to worship Amaterasu at a permanent location after many temporary locations.[7] In contrast with Kotai jingu [ja], this shrine is not explicitly mentioned in the Kojiki or the Nihon Shoki.

Besides the traditional establishment date of 4 BC,[9] it has also been proposed as having been made in the 5th century.[10] The shrine officially states it was created 1500 years ago in response to a revelation from Amaterasu that the shrine was needed.[27]

The shrine has been traditionally rebuilt every 20 years.[28]

There is a separate shrine dedicated to Toyouke's Ara-mitama, or Toyouke-Ōmikami no Ara-mitama (豊受大御神荒魂) called Takanomiya [ja] (Takamiya) inside this shrine.

Naikū – the inner shrine

The official name of the main shrine of Naikū is Kotaijingu and is the place of worship of the goddess Amaterasu. The grounds of Naikū contain a number of structures, including the following:[29]

The Uji Bridge

The Uji Bridge, 2012

This 100 meter wooden bridge, built in a traditional Japanese style, stretches across the Isuzu River at the entrance of Naikū. Like the shrine buildings of Naikū, it is rebuilt every 20 years as a part of the Shikinen Sengū ceremony. The bridge is typically built by carpenters with less experience to gain more skills before moving on to take on the task of working on the main shrine.[20] On crossing the bridge, the path turns to the right along the banks of the Isuzu river and passes through large landscaped gardens.

Temizusha

After crossing a short, wide bridge, pilgrims to the shrine encounter the Temizusha, a small, roofed structure containing a pool of water for use in ritual purification. Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands and rinse their mouths at Temizusha as a symbolic act to clean the mind and body of impurity. The first of two large torii gates stands just beyond the Temizusha.

Saikan and Anzaisho

After passing the first large torii gate, the Purification Hall (Saikan), and the hall for visitors from the imperial household (Anzaisho) is located to the left. The Saikan is used by shrine priests to purify themselves before performing ceremonies at the shrine. They are required to spend one or two nights to free their minds of worldly issues, partaking in baths and eating meals cooked with the sacred fire.

Kaguraden

Kagura-den

This hall for special prayer, located just after the second large torii gate, is open to the public for the offering of individual prayers to the kami, the giving of donations and the purchase of special talisman of protection, amulets and hanging scrolls of Amaterasu Omikami.

Charge field prayer, Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū), 2005.

Imibiyaden

Imibiyaden, 2007

This hall contains the sacred fire used to cook all of the food offerings to the kami of Ise Shrine. Rice and other offerings cooked on the sacred fire are stored in a box made of Japanese cypress, then purified at the Haraedo immediately in front of the Imibiyaden before being offered to the kami.

Kōtai Jingū – the main shrine

The pilgrimage path then approaches the fence of the inner sanctum (昇殿, shōden) of Naikū by a set of large stone steps. Within another set of fencing inside the gate is the main shrine (正宮, seigū) itself. Visitors are supposed to keep to the sides of the path as the middle is set aside for the goddess Amaterasu. Etiquette is the same as for most Shinto shrines. Though the actual shrine is hidden behind a large fence, pilgrims can approach the gate to offer their prayers. Photographs in this area are prohibited and this restriction is strictly policed.

Kotai Jingū is said to hold the Sacred Mirror, one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan said to have been given to the first Emperor by the gods. From a path that follows the line of the outer wall, the distinctive roof of the shrine building can be seen through the trees. In front of the walled shrine compound can be seen an open area which was the location of the rebuilding of the shrine in 2013.

Pilgrimage at Ise

Visitors to the main shrine, Naikū, 2014

The pilgrimage to the Ise shrine, also known as Sangū,[30] gained immense popularity during the Edo Period, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would travel there every year. The growth was exponential, 5 million pilgrims visiting the shrine in the year 1830 alone. By the late 19th century, tourists from abroad began to visit and document Ise. The popularity of making a trip to Ise resulted in vast networks and groups of travelers, which ultimately led to businesses working to benefit from this influx of interest for the shrine. Travel guidebooks were made to aid travelers in their navigation, as well to let them know of specific important places to visit while at Ise. They also included woodblock prints of the shrine that were very appealing to those who had made the long trek to the shrine.[19] Additionally, people wanted souvenirs, which resulted in a variety of vendors at Ise selling general goods and specialty items. There were also various post stations which had specific gifts, many of which were woodblock prints.[31] The pilgrimage had multiple purposes and appeals. It was seen as a purification process, and by visiting Ise, pilgrims were purified and aided in receiving a good afterlife.[30] It also was seen as a vacation, the journey to the shrine itself being almost as important as actually getting there.[31] In the 21st century, Ise is still an important destination both to foreign tourists and especially to the Japanese community; 9 million Japanese tourists visited the shrine in 2013.[21]

Shrines and facilities

Shrines

There are 125 shrines within Ise Shrine:[32]

Shōgū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
Kōtai Jingū (Naikū) 皇大神宮 Amaterasu Ōmikami
Ameno Tajikarao no kami
Yorozuhata-Toyoakitsuhime no mikoto
天照大御神
天手力男神
万幡豊秋津姫命[33]
Ujitachi, Ise city
Toyouke Daijingū (Gekū) 豊受大神宮 Toyouke no Ōmikami
3 Mitomo no kami
豊受大御神
御伴神3座[34]
Toyokawa, Ise city
Betsugū of Kōtai Jingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Aramatsuri no miya 荒祭宮 Amaterasu Ōmikami no Aramitama 天照大御神荒御魂 in Naikū
2 Tsukiyomi no miya 月讀宮 Tsukiyomi no mikoto 月讀尊 Nakamura, Ise city
3 Tsukiyomi no Aramitama no miya 月讀荒御魂宮 Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Aramitama 月讀尊荒御魂 in Tsukiyomi no miya
4 Izanagi no miya 伊佐奈岐宮 Izanagi no mikoto 伊佐奈岐尊 in Tsukiyomi no miya
5 Izanami no miya 伊佐奈弥宮 Izanami no mikoto 伊佐奈弥尊 in Tsukiyomi no miya
6 Takihara no miya 瀧原宮 Amaterasu Ōmikami no Mitama 天照大御神御魂 Takihara, Taiki town,
Watarai district
7 Takihara no narabi no miya 瀧原竝宮 Amaterasu Ōmikami no Mitama 天照大御神御魂 in Takihara no miya
8 Izawa no miya 伊雑宮 Amaterasu Ōmikami no Mitama 天照大御神御魂 Isobe-chō-Kaminogō,
Shima city
9 Yamatohime no miya 倭姫宮 Yamatohime no mikoto 倭姫命 Kusube, Ise city
10 Kazahinomi no miya 風日祈宮 Shinatsuhiko no mikoto
Shinatobe no mikoto
級長津彦命
級長戸辺命
in Naikū
Betsugū of Toyouke Daijingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Taka no miya 多賀宮 Toyouke no Ōmikami no Aramitama 豊受大御神荒御魂 in Gekū
2 Tsuchi no miya 土宮 Ōtsuchi no mioya no kami 大土御祖神 in Gekū
3 Tsukiyomi no miya 月夜見宮 Tsukiyomi no mikoto
Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Aramitama
月夜見尊
月夜見尊荒御魂
Miyajiri, Ise city
4 Kaze no miya 風宮 Shinatsuhiko no mikoto
Shinatobe no mikoto
級長津彦命
級長戸辺命
in Gekū
Sessha of Kōtai Jingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Asakuma jinja 朝熊神社 Ōtoshi no kami
Kokemushi no kami
Asakuma no mizu no kami
大歳神
苔虫神
朝熊水神
Asama, Ise city
2 Asakuma mimae jinja 朝熊御前神社 Asakuma no mimae no kami 朝熊御前神 in Asakuma jinja
3 Sonai (Sonō[35]) jinja 園相神社 Sonahihiko no mikoto
Mimae no kami
曾奈比比古命
御前神
Tsumura, Ise city
4 Kamo jinja 鴨神社 Ishikorowake no mikoto
Mimae no kami
石己呂和居命
御前神
Yamagammi, Tamaki,
Watarai district
5 Tanoe jinja 田乃家神社 Ōkami no Misamukawa no kami 大神御滄川神 Yano, Tamaki,
Watarai district
6 Tanoe mimae jinja 田乃家御前神社 Mimae no kami 御前神 same as Tanoe jinja
7 Kano jinja 蚊野神社 Ōkami no mikage no-
kawa no kami
大神御蔭川神 Kano, Tamaki,
Watarai district
8 Kano mimae jinja 蚊野御前神社 Mimae no kami 御前神 same as Kano jinja
9 Yuta jinja 湯田神社 Ōtoshi no mioya no mikoto
Mimae no kami
大歳御祖命
御前神
Obata-chō-Yuta,
Ise city
10 Ōtsuchi mioya jinja 大土御祖神社 Ōkunitama no mikoto
Mizusasarahiko no mikoto
Mizusasarahime no mikoto
大国玉命
水佐佐良比古命
水佐佐良比賣命
Kusube, Ise city
11 Kunitsu mioya jinja 国津御祖神社 Ujihime no mikoto
Tamurahime no mikoto
宇治比賣命
田村比賣命
in Ōtoshi mioya jinja
12 Kuchira jinja 朽羅神社 Chiyorihime no mikoto
Chiyorihiko no mikoto
千依比賣命
千依比古命
Hara, Tamaki,
Watarai district
13 Ujiyōda jinja 宇治山田神社 Yamatahime no mikoto[36] 山田姫命 Nakamura, Ise city
14 Tsunaga jinja 津長神社 Sunagahime no mikoto 栖長比賣命 Uji-Imazaike, Ise city
(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
15 Katada jinja 堅田神社 Samitsuhime no mikoto 佐見都比女命 Futami-chō-Chaya,
Ise city[37]
16 Ōmizu jinja 大水神社 Ōyamazumi no mioya no mikoto 大山祇御祖命 Uji-imazaike, Ise city
(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
17 E jinja 江神社 Nagakuchime no mikoto
Ōtoshi no mioya no mikoto
Ukano mitama no mikoto
長口女命
大歳御祖命
宇加乃御玉命
Futami-chō-E, Ise city
18 Kōzaki jinja 神前神社 Arasakihime no mikoto 荒崎比賣命 Futami-chō-Matsushita,
Ise city
19 Awamiko jinja 粟皇子神社 Susanō no mikoto no Mitama no-
michinushi no mikoto
須佐乃乎命御玉道主命 Futami-chō-Matsushita,
Ise city
20 Kawara jinja 川原神社 Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Mitama 月讀尊御魂 Sōchi, Ise city
21 Kugutsuhime jinja 久具都比賣神社 kugutsuhime no mikoto
kugutsuhiko no mikoto
MImae no kami
久具都比賣命
久具都比古命
御前神
Kamikugu, Watarai town,
Watarai district
22 Narahara jinja 奈良波良神社 Naraharahime no mikoto 那良原比女命 Miyako, Tamaki town,
Watarai district
23 Sugihara jinja 棒原神社 Ama no subarume no mikoto-
no Mitama
Mimae no kami
天須婆留女命御魂
御前神
Kami-Tanui, Tamaki town,
Watarai district
24 Mifune jinja 御船神社 Ōkami no mikage no-
kawa no mikoto
大神御蔭川神 Toba, Taki town,
Taki district
25 Sakatekunari jinja 坂手国生神社 Takaminakami no mikoto
(Takaminakami no kami[38])
高水上命 (高水上神) Kami-Tanui, Tamaki town,
Watarai district
26 Satakunari jinja 狭田國生神社 Hayakawahiko no mikoto
Hayakawahime no mikoto
Yamazue no Mitama
速川比古命
速川比女命
山末御魂
Sata, Tamaki town,
Watarai district
27 Takihara jinja 多岐原神社 Manako no Kami 真奈胡の神 Misegawa, Taiki town,
Watarai district
Sessha of Toyouke Daijingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Kusanagi jinja 草奈伎神社 Mishirushi no tsurugi no kami 御剣仗神 (標劔仗神[39]) Tokiwa, Ise city
2 Ōmakunari jinja 大間国生神社 Ōwakako no mikoto
Otowakako no mikoto
大若子命
乙若子命
Tokiwa, Ise city
3 Watarai kuimii jinja 度会国御神社 Hikokunimigakitakeyotsuka no mikoto 彦国見賀岐建與束命 in Gekū
4 Watarai ōkunitamahime jinja 度会大国玉比賣神社 Ōkunitama no mikoto
Mizusasarahime no mikoto
大国玉姫命
弥豆佐佐良比賣命
in Gekū
5 Tanoe ōmizu jinja 田上大水神社 Ogoto kan-nushi 小事神主 Fujisato, Ise city
6 Tanoe ōmizu mimae jinja 田上大水御前神社 Miyako 宮子 in Tanoe ōmizu jinja
7 Shitomi jinja 志等美神社 Kukunochi no kami 久久能智神 Tsujikuru, Ise city
8 Ōkōchi jinja 大河内神社 Ōyamazumi no kami 大山祇神 in Shitomi jinja
9 Kiyonoiba jinja 清野井庭神社 Kayanohime no mikoto 草野姫命 Tokiwa, Ise city
10 Takagawara jinja 高河原神社 Tsukiyomi no mikoto no Mitama 月夜見尊御魂 in Tsukiyomi no miya
(Gekū, 月夜見宮)
11 Kawara jinja 河原神社 Kawa no kami[40] 川神 Misono-chō-Shingai,
Ise city
12 Kawarabuchi jinja 河原淵神社 Sawahime no mikoto 澤姫命 Funae, Ise city
13 Yamazue jinja 山末神社 Ōyamatsuhime no mikoto 大山津姫命 in Gekū
14 Usunono jinja 宇須乃野神社 Usunome no mikoto 宇須乃女命 Misono-chō-Takabuku,
Ise city
15 Mike jinja 御食神社 Minato no miketsu kami 水戸御饗都 Kamiyashiro, Ise city
16 Obata jinja 小俣神社 Uka no Mitama no kami 宇賀御魂神 Obata-chō-motomachi,
Ise city
Massha of Kōtai Jingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Kamoshimo jinja 鴨下神社 Ishikorowake no mikoto
Kamohiko no mikoto
Kamohime no mikoto
石己呂和居命
鴨比古命
鴨比賣命
Katsuta, Tamaki,
Watarai district
2 Tsubura jinja 津布良神社 Tsuburahiko no mikoto
Tsuburahime no mikoto
津布良比古命
津布良比賣命
Tsubura, Tamaki,
Watarai district
3 Ashihara jinja 葦原神社 Sasatsuhiko no mikoto
Ukano Mitama no mioya no mikoto
Ikarihime no mikoto
佐佐津比古命
宇加乃御魂御祖命
伊加利比売命
in Tsukiyomi no miya
(Naikū, 月讀宮)
4 Ogoso jinja 小社神社 Takaminakami mikoto[42]) 高水上命 Ogoso-Sone, Tamaki,
Watarai district
5 Komori jinja 許母利神社 Awashima no kami no mitama 粟嶋神御魂 same as Kōzaki jinja
6 Niikawa jinja 新川神社 Niikawahime no mikoto 新川比賣命 same as Tsunaga jinja
7 Iwai jinja 石井神社 Takaminakami no mikoto[43] 高水上命 same as Tsunaga jinja
8 Uji no nuki jinja 宇治乃奴鬼 Takaminakami no mikoto[44] 高水上命 Ōtoshi mioya jinja
9 Kanumi jinja 加努弥神社 Inayorihime no mikoto 稲依比女命 Kanome (Kanomi), Ise city
without building
10 Kawaai jinja 川相神社 Hosokawa no mizu no kami 細川水神 same as Ōmizu jinja
11 Kumabuchi jinja 熊淵神社 Takiōtoji no kami 多支大刀自神 same as Ōmizu jinja
12 Arasaki jinja 荒前神社 Arasakihime no mikoto 荒前比賣命 same as Kōzaki jinja
13 Najime jinja 那自売神社 Ōminakami no mioya no mikoto
Mimonosusohime no mikoto
大水上御祖命
御裳乃須蘇比賣命
same as Ujiyōda jinja
14 Ashidate jinja 葦立弖神社 Tamayarahime no mikoto 玉移良比女命 same as Kunitsu mioya jinja
15 Mumino jinja 牟弥乃神社 Samukawahiko no mikoto
Samukawahime no mikoto
寒川比古命
寒川比女命
same as Mifune jinja
16 Kagaminomiya jinja 鏡宮神社 Iwanoue no futatsu no mikagami no mitama 岩上二面神鏡霊 Asama, Ise city
Massha of Toyouke Daijingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Igari jinja 伊我理神社 Igarihime no mikoto 伊我理比女命 in Gekū
2 Agata jinja 縣神社 Agata no kami[45] 縣神 same as Usuno no jinja
3 Inaka jinja 井中神社 Inaka no kami 井中神 same as Ikari jinja
4 Uchikake jinja 打縣神社 Uchikake myōjin[46] 打縣名神 in Shitomi jinja
5 Akasaki jinja 赤崎神社 Arasakihime no mikoto 荒崎姫命 Toba, Toba city
6 Mori jinja 毛理神社 Ki no kami[47] 木神 same as Kawara jinja
(河原神社)
7 Ōtsu jinja 大津神社 Ashihara kami
(Ashihara no kami[48])
葦原神 in Gekū
8 Shioya jinja 志宝屋神社 Shiotsuchi no oji 塩土老翁 Ōminato, Ise city
Shokansha of Kōtai Jingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Takimatsuri no kami 滝祭神 Takimatsuri no Ōkami[49] 瀧祭大神 in Naikū
without building
2 Okitama no Kami 興玉神 Okitama no Kami 興玉神 in Naikū Shogū
without building
3 Miyabi no kami 宮比神 Miyabi no kami 宮比神 in Naikū Shogū
without building
4 Yanohahiki no kami 屋乃波比伎神 Yanohahiki no kami 屋乃波比伎神 in Naikū Shogū
without building
5 Misakadono 御酒殿 Misakadono no kami[50] 御酒殿神 in Naikū
6 Mishine no mikura 御稲御倉 Mishine no mikura no kami 御稲御倉神 in Naikū
7 Yuki no mikura 由貴御倉 Yuki no mikura no kami 由貴御倉神 in Naikū
8 Miya no meguri no kami 四至神 Miya no meguri no kami 四至神 in Naikū
without building
9 Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja 神服織機殿神社 Kan-hatori hatadono no-
mamori no kami[51]
神服織機殿神社鎮守神 Ōgaito, Matsusaka city
10 Massha of Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja; 8 shrines 神服織機殿神社末社8所 Kan-hatori hatadono no-
mamori no mimae no kami
神服織機殿神社鎮守御前神 in Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
11 Kan-Omi hatadono jinja 神麻績機殿神社 Kan-Omi hatadono no-
mamori no kami[52]
神麻績機殿神社鎮守神 Iguchinaka, Matsusaka city
12 Massha of Kan-Omi hatadono jinja; 8 shrines 神麻績機殿神社末社8所 Kan-Omi hatadono no mamori no-
mimae no kami
神麻績機殿神社鎮守御前神 in Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
13 Mishiodono jinja 御塩殿神社 Mishiodono no mamori no kami 御塩殿神社鎮守神[53] Futami-chō-Shō, Ise city
14 Aedohashihime jinja 饗土橋姫神社 Ujibashi no mamori no kami[49] 宇治橋鎮守神 Uji-Imazaike, Ise city
(in front of Kōtai Jingū)
15 Ōyamatsumi jinja 大山祇神社 Ōyamazumi no kami 大山祇神 in Naikū
16 Koyasu jinja 子安神社 Konohanasakuyahime no mikoto 木華開耶姫命 in Naikū
(side of Ōyamatsumi jinja)
Shokansha of Toyouke Daijingū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Misakadono 御酒殿 Misakadono no kami[48] 御酒殿神 in Gekū
2 Miya no meguri no kami 四至神 Miya no meguri no kami 四至神 in Gekū
without building
3 Kami no mii no jinja 上御井神社 Kami no mii no mamori no kami[48] 上御井鎮守神 in Gekū
4 Shimo no mii no jinja 下御井神社 Shimo no mii no mamori no kami[48] 下御井鎮守神 in Gekū
Shokansha of Betsugū
name kanji enshrined kanji location
1 Wakamiya jinja 若宮神社 Wakamiya no kami[54] 若宮神 in Takihara no miya
2 Nagayuke jinja 長由介神社 Nagayuke no kami[54] 長由介神 in Takihara no miya
3 Kawashima jinja 川島神社 Kawashima no kami[54] 川島神 same as Nagayuke jinja
4 Saminaga jinja 佐美長神社 Shimonomii no mamori no kami[55] 大歳神 Isobe-chō-Erihara, Shima city
5 Saminaga mimae jinja; 4 shrines 佐美長御前神社 Saminaga mimae no kami[55] 佐美長御前神 in Saminaga jinja

Facilities

Facilities of Ise Shrine (not shrine)[56]
name kanji articles kanji location
1 Yahiroden of Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja 神服織機殿神社八尋殿 Nigitae (silk) 和妙 in Kan-Hatori hatadono jinja
2 Yahiroden of Kan-Omi hatadono jinja 神麻績機殿神社八尋殿 Aratae (hemp) 荒妙 in Kan-Omi hatadono jinja
3 Jingu shinden
(30,000 m²)
神宮神田 Goryō-mai (rice) 御料米 Kusube-chō, Ise city
4 Izawa no miya no omita
(1,646 m²)
伊雑宮の御神田 Goryō-mai (rice) 御料米 Isobe-chō-Erihara, Shima city
(side of Izawa no miya)
5 Mishiohama
(6,609 m²)
御塩浜 brine 御塩 Futami-chō-Nishi, Ise city
6 Mishiodono
Mishio kumiiresho
Mishio yakisho
(27,785 m²)
御塩殿
御塩汲入所
御塩焼所
Mishio (salt) 御塩 in Mishiodono jinja
7 Jingū misono
(19,751 m²)
神宮御園 vegetables and fruits 野菜・果物 Futami-chō-Mizoguchi, Ise city
8 Awabi chōseisho
(5,946 m²)
鰒調製所 noshi awabi (dried abalone) 熨斗鰒 Kuzaki-chō, Toba city
9 Hidai chōseisho
(11,242 m²)
干鯛調製所 Hidai (dried sea bream) 干鯛 Shinojima, Minamichita town,
Chita District, Aichi Prefecture
10 Doki chōseisho
(2,878 m²)
土器調製所 earthenwares 土器 Minomura, Meiwa town,
Taki District

See also

  • flagJapan portal
  • iconArchitecture portal

Notes

  1. ^ In the Nihon Shoki
  2. ^ In the Kojiki

References

  1. ^ Ise Jingu official homepage, "Isejingu". Archived from the original on 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2012-05-30.
  2. ^ "Ise Jingu official homepage". Archived from the original on May 30, 2012.
  3. ^ Ellwood, Robert S. (1985). Japanese Religion: A Cultural Perspective. Prentice-Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-509282-8. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  4. ^ お伊勢さま、一度は行きたい庶民の夢 Cleanup Corporation
  5. ^ a b "Emperor's daughter becomes supreme priestess at Ise Shrine". Japan Times. June 21, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017. Sayako Kuroda, the daughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, assumed the post of supreme priestess at Ise Shrine this week, the ancient Shinto shrine said.
  6. ^ Aston 1896, p. 176.
  7. ^ a b Bocking 2013, p. 51.
  8. ^ a b "Outline of Geku". isejingu.or.jp. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  9. ^ a b Encyclopædia Britannica – Ise Shrine https://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9368233
  10. ^ a b c Sacred Places – Ise Shrine http://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/ise.html
  11. ^ Breen & Teeuwen 2000, pp. 74–75.
  12. ^ Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1962). Studies in Shinto and Shrines, pp. 116–117.
  13. ^ a b c d Cali, Joseph (2013). Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion. University of Hawai'i Press. pp. 214–222.
  14. ^ Mayer, Adrian (March 1992). "On the Gender of Shrines and the Daijōsai". Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. 19: 73. doi:10.18874/jjrs.19.1.1992.69-80 – via JSTOR.
  15. ^ Sir Banister Fletcher, A History of Architecture (p724), Architectural Press (1996), ISBN 0-7506-2267-9
  16. ^ Kenzo Tange and Noboru Kawazoe, Ise: Prototype of Japanese Architecture (p 167), Cambridge, Massachusetts: M.I.T. Press, 1965.
  17. ^ 常若(とこわか)=伊勢神宮・式年遷宮にみる和のサステナビリティ (in Japanese). Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. 6 April 2016. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  18. ^ Shinnyo Kawai (2013) 常若の思想 伊勢神宮と日本人. Shodensha. ISBN 978-4396614669
  19. ^ a b Reynolds, Jonathan (June 2001). "Ise Shrine and a Modernist Construction of Japanese Tradition". The Art Bulletin. 83 (2): 316–341. doi:10.2307/3177211. JSTOR 3177211.
  20. ^ a b c d e Adams, Cassandra (Sep 1998). "Japan's Ise Shrine and Its Thirteen-Hundred-Year-Old Reconstruction Tradition". Journal of Architectural Education. 52: 49–60. doi:10.1111/j.1531-314X.1998.tb00255.x – via JSTOR.
  21. ^ a b Breen, John (2017). Carmen Blacker: Scholar of Japanese Religion, Myth and Folklore. Renaissance Books. pp. 396–412. ISBN 978-1-898823-56-8.
  22. ^ Saikū Historical Museum information booklet, "A Town of Bamboo Illumined Once Again".
  23. ^ "Isejingu". Archived from the original on 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2007-10-10. – Annual Cycle of Ceremonies and Rice, Official Ise Jingu homepage.
  24. ^ "Isejingu". Archived from the original on 2012-08-04. Retrieved 2007-10-10. – Annual Cycle of Ceremonies, Official Ise Jingu homepage.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h "Outer Shrine (Geku)". www.japan-guide.com. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  26. ^ a b Roberts, Jeremy (2010). Japanese Mythology A To Z (PDF) (2nd ed.). New York: Chelsea House Publishers. ISBN 978-1-60413-435-3.
  27. ^ "About Ise Jingu|Ise Jingu". Ise Jingu. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  28. ^ "Ise Jingu – Geku (Toyouke Daijingu) | Sightseeing Spots MIE(Ise-Shima) | Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd". www.kintetsu.co.jp. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  29. ^ The official Ise Jingu homepage: Naiku, "Isejingu". Archived from the original on 2012-06-29. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
  30. ^ a b Kaempfer, Engelbert (1999). Kaempfer's Japan: Tokugawa Culture Observed. University of Hawai'i Press. pp. 117–121.
  31. ^ a b Vaporis, Constantine (1994). Breaking Barriers: Travel and the State in Early Modern Japan. Harvard University. pp. 217–254.
  32. ^ "Oise mairi" (『お伊勢まいり』, Jingū-shichō, Ise-Jingū-sūkei-kai, July 1, 2006) p.105-118
  33. ^ "Oise mairi" p.72
  34. ^ "Oise mairi" p.9
  35. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai" (『神宮摂社末社順拝』, Sarutahiko jinja, March 31, 1989) The second volume (下巻) p.87
  36. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p.31, No Hiragana in "Oise mairi" .
  37. ^ Katada jinja is written at "伊勢市二見町江 (Futami-chō-E, Ise city)" in "Oise mairi", but this shrine is in Futami-chō-Chaya. Futami-chō-Chaya was independent of Futami-chō-E on November 1st 2005, and Futami-chō-Chaya is often written Futami-chō-E by a mistake. Katada jinja is mapped "二見町茶屋 (Futami-chō-Chaya)" in these maps, not Futami-chō-E.
  38. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p.69
  39. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The first volume (上巻) p.65
  40. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō (『お伊勢さんを歩こう』, Ise-Jingū-sūkei-kai, April 1, 2005) p.15, No Hiragana in "Oise mairi" and "Jingū sessha massha junhai".
  41. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.21
  42. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p.15
  43. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p.4
  44. ^ "Jingū sessha massha junhai", The second volume (下巻) p.37
  45. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.16
  46. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.17
  47. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.15
  48. ^ a b c d "Oisesan wo arukō" p.8
  49. ^ a b "Oisesan wo arukō" p.4
  50. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.5
  51. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.24
  52. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.24
  53. ^ "Oisesan wo arukō" p.27
  54. ^ a b c "Oisesan wo arukō" p.31
  55. ^ a b "Oisesan wo arukō" p.29
  56. ^ "Oise mairi" p.98-103

References

  • Aston, William George (1896). Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. London: The Japan Society, Trübner.
  • Bock, Felicia G. (1974). "The Rites of Renewal at Ise". Monumenta Nipponica. 29 (1): 55–68. doi:10.2307/2383463. JSTOR 2383463.
  • Bocking, Brian (2013). The Oracles of the Three Shrines: Windows on Japanese Religion. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-136-84552-9.
  • Breen, John; Teeuwen, Mark (2000). Shinto in History: Ways of the Kami. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2363-4.
  • Fletcher, Banister; Cruickshank, Dan (1996). Sir Banister Fletcher's a History of Architecture. Architectural Press. ISBN 978-0-7506-2267-7.
  • Hvass, Svend M. (1998). Ise – Japan's Ise Shrines – Ancient yet New. Copenhagen. Aristo Publishing. ISBN 87-985103-3-9
  • Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1962). Studies in Shinto and Shrines. Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society. OCLC 399449
  • Kenzo Tange; Noboru Kawazoe (1965). Ise: Prototype of Japanese Architecture. MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-20006-6.

External links

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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Ise.
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  • New York Public Library Digital Gallery, early photograph of Ise Shrine compound
  • Photographs of the Ise Shrine by Yoshio Watanabe, Canadian Centre for Architecture
  • Smithsonian Magazine – This Japanese Shrine
  • Wheelchair Accessibility of Shrine
  • Geographic data related to Ise Shrine Naikū at OpenStreetMap
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