Private Tour – Wonder at the Spirituality of Shinto’s Sacred Sites in Ise

Ise Trip Overview

There are over 80,000 shrines in Japan; Ise Grand Shrine is special as it is considered to be the most prestigious.
We will take you to Naiku, dedicated to the god of the Imperial family, and Geku, dedicated to the god of meals, as well as other shrines.
For generations, people have respected the shrines in Ise and the surrounding areas. In the Edo era when trains and cars did not exist, millions of people visited Ise Jingu to pray. You will understand when you see the paintings.
You can also try Ise’s specialties such as Akafuku and Udon♪
You may find out an interesting side of the Imperial family when you visit their gorgeous accommodations.
otomo guide will show you the profoundness of shrines.

Additional Info

Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Starts: Ise, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours



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What to Expect When Visiting Ise, Mie, Japan

There are over 80,000 shrines in Japan; Ise Grand Shrine is special as it is considered to be the most prestigious.
We will take you to Naiku, dedicated to the god of the Imperial family, and Geku, dedicated to the god of meals, as well as other shrines.
For generations, people have respected the shrines in Ise and the surrounding areas. In the Edo era when trains and cars did not exist, millions of people visited Ise Jingu to pray. You will understand when you see the paintings.
You can also try Ise’s specialties such as Akafuku and Udon♪
You may find out an interesting side of the Imperial family when you visit their gorgeous accommodations.
otomo guide will show you the profoundness of shrines.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Ise Shrine Geku, 279 Toyokawacho, Ise 516-0042 Mie Prefecture

Ise Grand Shrine consists of two main shrines, the Outer Shrine at Geku and the Inner shrine at Naiku. Let’s start your Ise trip at Geku. Many Japanese tend to skip worshipping at Geku but the proper way to worship at Ise Jingu is to first visit Geku and then go to Naiku! Enjoy the atmosphere of the sacred sites.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Sarutahiko Shrine, 2-1-10 Ujiurata, Ise 516-0026 Mie Prefecture

A shrine dedicated to the god of guidance. If you are struggling with making decisions about your future, you can worship here for guidance. The god of entertainment is also venerated at the Sarutahiko shrine. You can experience another style of Japanese worship.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: 内宮おかげ参道(地下参道), 1 Chome-5 宇治蒲田 Ise, Mie 516-0026, Japan

Hundreds of years ago, it was a once in a lifetime dream for Japanese to visit Ise Jingu. As such, over 3 million people visited in a single year back when there were no trains or cars. As you take the underground passage, you will see some paintings that describe the prosperity of that time.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Okage Yokocho Ancient Street, 52 Ujinakanokiricho, Ise, Mie 516-8558, Japan

In front of you is the same scenery you just saw in the painting! Okage Yokocho is lively with people worshipping just as they did in the past. How about having a bite of Ise’s specialties before you visit the shrine? otomo guide will take you to our recommended shops.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ise Jingu, 1 Ujitachicho, Ise 516-0023 Mie Prefecture

Finally, we will worship at Naiku. The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years. It is said that the god of Ise Jingu is dedicated to the ancestor of the Imperial family. As you can see, there are many hidden secrets! Find out for yourself why Ise Jingu is said to be so special.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: AKAFUKU Futami branch, Japan, 〒519-0609 Mie, Ise, 二見町茶屋204−1

There are a couple of Akafuku shops in Ise which are famous for sticky rice cakes (mochi) topped with tasty red bean paste. It is one of the most famous Japanese sweet shops with a history of more than 300 years. You can also enjoy zenzai, a traditional sweet dessert made with red bean paste and mochi which is served in a bowl, and green tea (matcha). We recommend the Futami Branch because you can relax here more than at the honten (main shop) at Ise Jingu.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hinjitsukan, 566-2 Futamichochaya, Ise 519-0602 Mie Prefecture

A former accommodation/resting space for guests visiting Ise Jingu, built over 130 years ago. You can enjoy the mixture of Japanese traditional architecture and Western design. There are displays where you can learn about the Japanese royal family.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Meotoiwa, Futamichoe, Ise 519-0602 Mie Prefecture

We will finish up this tour by looking at the scenery of the ocean. The two rocks floating in the ocean is another spiritual spot. Experience and learn the resonance of Shinto religion: the belief that God resides in symbolic places in nature.

Duration: 15 minutes



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