Ise Grand Shrine Travel Guide

Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine was built in 4 BCE under the rule of Emperor Suinin. The shrine is known for its unique architecture that implements the “yuiitsu shinmei-zukuri” style and houses two shrines: the inner shrine (Naiku) and the outer shrine (Geku). One shrine is dedicated to the sun deity Amaterasu and the other is for the food goddess Toyouke. The shrine is well-kept as its structures, including the Uju bridge and torii gate, are rebuilt every 20 years.

When we say the shrine is rebuilt, this does not mean to repair. The shrine is built on a new location from its previous one and is made to look exactly like the original from the 8th century. The shrine was last built in 2013, and the 63rd shrine will be completed by 2033. The Japanese government spends millions to rebuild the shrine every year to keep the tradition of death and renewal of nature.