ISE-JINGU
This is a once-in-a-lifetime visit. Considered the holiest shrine in Japan, and thus the most important of the Shinto religion, Ise-jingū, officially called jingū, comprises 125 shrines scattered around two parts - Naiku, dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, and Geku, dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami. Dating from the 3rd century, this highly spiritual place is a must for any visit to the prefecture. Every year people pray here for the prosperity of the imperial family, peace in the country and abundant harvests, during numerous rituals and ceremonies. The shrine is so valuable that its buildings are literally rebuilt, according to tradition, every 20 years. The reconstruction is done identically, a few meters away, following age-old techniques. Even today, the craftsmen, who do not use any nails, erect the new buildings by using only wooden pegs and by fitting the different parts together. Once the reconstruction is completed, the deity is transferred to his new place of worship during the Shikinen Sengu ritual ceremony. The wood from the old shrine is then used to rebuild the huge torii at the entrance and helps in the renovation of other sacred places in the country. Because Ise-jingū is so special, most of the buildings within it are hidden behind palisades and the entrance to the sacred area is off limits to the public. This adds mystique to a visit to this national treasure.
