Ise Grand Shrine: A Symbol of Japan's Shinto Tradition

Ise Grand Shrine is Japan's most iconic Shinto shrine, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It primarily consists of the Inner Shrine (Kōtai Jingū) and the Outer Shrine (Tōyōke Jingū). The Inner Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu-Ōmikami, regarded as the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family and the highest Shinto deity, while the Outer Shrine honors Toyouke-Ōmikami, the deity of food and agriculture. The shrine's architecture features the unique "Shinmei-zukuri" style, and it is rebuilt every 20 years following ancient methods, continuing the "Shikinen Sengu" tradition for over 1,300 years. As the spiritual heart of Shinto in Japan, Ise Grand Shrine is not only a center of worship but also a symbol of Japan's traditional culture and spiritual heritage, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. Its serene forest surroundings and solemn shrine buildings create a sacred atmosphere, earning it the title of "spiritual hometown" among the Japanese.