Shiba Daijingu
芝大神宮
Tokyo · Minato-ku
Jingu Commerce
Beyond ranking system (Honson)
Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)
伊勢神宮 内宮
/ Ise Jingu Naiku
Nijunisha
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
5:00-17:00 (varies by season)
Overview
Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine (Naiku) is the most sacred site in Japanese Shinto, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the imperial line. The shrine holds the Yata-no-Kagami, the Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Imperial Regalia that symbolize the emperor's divine authority. The shrine's architecture embodies purity and renewal through the practice of Shikinen Sengu: every 20 years, the entire shrine complex is rebuilt on an adjacent plot using traditional methods, and the deity is ceremonially transferred to the new structure. This practice has continued for over 1,300 years, with the 62nd rebuilding completed in 2013. The approach to the shrine crosses the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River and passes through a primeval forest of towering cryptomeria cedars. The inner sanctum, where the mirror resides, is hidden behind multiple layers of fencing and is accessible only to the imperial family and the highest-ranking priests. Ise Jingu formally stands outside the modern shrine ranking system -- it is considered so sacred that no rank could encompass it. The shrine's official name is simply 'Jingu' (The Shrine), as it needs no qualifier.
History
690📄Documented
First documented Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding ceremony) takes place
2013📄Documented
62nd Shikinen Sengu completed
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
Goddess of the sun, supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, and ancestral kami of the Imperial house
Blessings
Shrine Network
Jingu Supreme shrine of Japan
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine's official name is simply 'Jingu' (The Shrine) -- no prefix is needed because it is considered the supreme shrine of Japan.
Source: documented
💡
The Shikinen Sengu rebuilding requires over 10,000 hinoki cypress logs and employs ancient carpentry techniques passed down for centuries.
Source: documented
💡
Until the Meiji era, common people were not permitted to visit the inner shrine -- pilgrimage to Ise was a once-in-a-lifetime aspiration.
Source: tradition
💡
Photography is prohibited beyond the stone steps leading to the main sanctuary.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
game / 2006
Okami Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku) in Mie Prefecture. Enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the deity the game's protagonist is based on. The game's themes of solar divinity directly reference Ise's traditions.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
34.4553, 136.7256
Physical Address
1 Uji-Tachi-cho, Ise-shi, Mie
三重県伊勢市宇治館町1
Access
Isuzugawa Station (Kintetsu)
Hours
5:00-17:00 (varies by season)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)?
Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine (Naiku) is the most sacred site in Japanese Shinto, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and mythical ancestor of the imperial line. The shrine holds the Yata-no-Kagami, the Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Imperial Regalia that symbolize the emperor's divine authority. The shrine's architecture embodies purity and renewal through the practice of Shikinen Sengu: every 20 years, the entire shrine complex is rebuilt on an adjacent plot using traditional methods, and the deity is ceremonially transferred to the new structure. This practice has continued for over 1,300 years, with the 62nd rebuilding completed in 2013. The approach to the shrine crosses the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River and passes through a primeval forest of towering cryptomeria cedars. The inner sanctum, where the mirror resides, is hidden behind multiple layers of fencing and is accessible only to the imperial family and the highest-ranking priests. Ise Jingu formally stands outside the modern shrine ranking system -- it is considered so sacred that no rank could encompass it. The shrine's official name is simply 'Jingu' (The Shrine), as it needs no qualifier.
Where is Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku) located?
Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku) is located in Ise-shi, Mie. The full address is: 1 Uji-Tachi-cho, Ise-shi, Mie.
What deities are enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)?
The enshrined deities are: Amaterasu Omikami.
What blessings can you pray for at Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)?
Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku) is known for: National Prosperity, Peace, Imperial Fortune.
How do I get to Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)?
The nearest station is Isuzugawa Station (Kintetsu). Bus from Iseshi Station or Ujiyamada Station, about 15 minutes