Ise Jingu Geku Shrine and Hamamairi Tradition

Pilgrimage to Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine, enshrining Amaterasu Oomikami, the supreme sun goddess. Known as 'Oise Mairi,' it represents the spiritual center of Japanese faith for centuries. The Edo period saw millions of annual pilgrims; today over 8 million visit yearly. The pilgrimage path along the clear Isuzu River exemplifies iconic Japanese sacred landscapes, attracting international visitors.

Pilgrimage tradition to Ise Jingu in Ise, Mie Prefecture, considered Japan's supreme shrine. Pilgrimage has continued since antiquity among imperial, noble, and common classes. Edo-period Ise pilgrimage developed as a tourism phenomenon. Associated cultural practices flourished (amulets, charms, regional cuisine, etc.). With over 6 million annual pilgrims, it embodies Japan's faith culture and stands as the ultimate pilgrimage destination.

The Shikinen Sengu ceremony at Ise Grand Shrine in Mie occurs every 20 years, ceremonially rebuilding the inner sanctum. This ancient state ritual reflects 2,000 years of history and represents Japan's largest shrine pilgrimage culture. Visitors experience a comprehensive pilgrimage ecosystem including surrounding temple towns.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.

A grand shrine complex in Ise, Mie Prefecture, consisting of the Inner Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu and the Outer Shrine dedicated to Toyouke. Considered the highest shrine in Shintoism, its Shikinen Sengu (20-year reconstruction ceremony) is Japan's most significant Shinto ritual. The nation's holiest site, attracting approximately 6 million pilgrims annually.

Japan's highest-ranked shrine located in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Comprising the Inner and Outer Shrines, it enshrines Amaterasu, the supreme sun goddess. Traditionally dated to the 4th century BCE, it maintains the unique tradition of Shikinen Sengu (shrine rebuilding) every 20 years. Attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually, it is Japan's most sacred pilgrimage site.

A pilgrimage tradition surrounding the Shikinen Sengu (shrine relocation ceremony) held every 20 years at Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture. Millions of pilgrims visit for the ritual renewal and ceremonies attending the deity's transfer. This cyclical regeneration ceremony symbolizes Japanese cultural concepts of time and renewal, representing the largest continuous pilgrimage event in Japanese history.