Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nagano Prefecture, but the correct location is actually Mie Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most famous and revered shrines, known for its association with the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. As the primary shrine of the Imperial Family, Ise has played an important role in Japanese history and culture. The shrine is also famous for its unique construction, which features a massive hall called the Naikunizuka, built to house a sacred tree said to be over 2,000 years old.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 36.6319425, 138.1688562
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead.
Cultural notes
Ise is associated with the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is said to have been a storm god and the brother of the goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's unique architecture and sacred tree are also connected to the mythological story of Susanoo's battle with the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.
Historical note
The founding of Ise dates back to the 8th century, during the Nara period, when it was enshrined as a new imperial shrine.