Ise Grand Shrine is the main shrine of the Ise Grand Festival, a UNESCO-recognized event that has been held annually since 1889 to celebrate the dedication of the new shrine to Takamagahara, the mythical celestial capital. Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, the shrine is famous for its connection with Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess and the de facto head deity of the Japanese imperial family.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 38.7231261, 139.8335002
Visitor tip
Visitors can explore the shrine's magnificent architecture, including its iconic torii gate and five-story pagoda. The shrine also offers a peaceful walk through its beautiful gardens.
Cultural notes
The Ise Grand Shrine is known for its unique tradition of 're-dedication' every 20 years, where the old shrine is dismantled and replaced with a new one to ensure the deity's continued blessings on the imperial family. This event is considered a sacred rite in Shintoism.