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Izawa Shrine

伊雜社

Izawa-sha

One of the most sacred auxiliary shrines of Ise Grand Shrine, located in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. Known as the 'remote sanctuary' of Ise Shrine, it enshrines Amaterasu-Omikami and is considered equally sacred to the main Ise shrines.

Denomination
Imperial
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Amaterasu-Omikami
Kami enshrined
Amaterasu-Omikami
Founding
Ancient period
Shrine rank
Beppyo shrine
Coordinates
34.7683054, 137.3945961

Visitor tip

Visit during the annual Otaue rice planting festival in June to witness one of Japan's most important agricultural rituals.

Cultural notes

The shrine is famous for its Otaue festival, a sacred rice planting ceremony that demonstrates the deep connection between Shinto and agriculture. As a detached shrine of Ise, it shares the same architectural style and spiritual significance as the Grand Shrine itself.

Historical note

Izawa Shrine has ancient origins closely tied to Ise Grand Shrine, serving as its remote sanctuary. The shrine has maintained its sacred status for over a millennium and is one of the few shrines where the same level of reverence as Ise Grand Shrine is observed. It plays a crucial role in the rice cultivation rituals that are central to Shinto practice.