Ise Grand Shrine Pilgrimage and Town Culture

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.

The holiest site of Shinto. Its Shikinen Sengu rebuilds the shrine every 20 years, embodying eternal renewal. With Okage Yokocho street food, about 8 million visit annually.

Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, located in Ise, Mie Prefecture. Dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, it comprises the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine. With approximately 2,000 years of history, it uniquely practices Shikinen Sengu, rebuilding its structures every 20 years. Attracts over 6 million pilgrims annually.

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.

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.