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The head shrine of Shinto, made up of 125 shrines centered on the Naiku (Kotai Jingu), which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, and the Geku (Toyouke Daijingu), which enshrines Toyouke Omikami, guardian of food, clothing and shelter. With a history of more than 2,000 years, it is Japan's most exalted shrine and receives about seven million worshippers a year. Its buildings are rebuilt every 20 years in the Shikinen Sengu, a tradition that has continued since 690.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Amaterasu Omikami (Naiku); Toyouke Omikami (Geku)
- Founded
- Founded in Suinin 26 (according to shrine tradition). Archaeologically, formation in the second half of the 5th century is considered the leading view. The Shikinen Sengu began in 690 (Jito 4)
- Annual Festival
- Kanname-sai (October); Niiname-sai (November); Kinen-sai (February); Kanmisosai (May and October); Higoto Asayu no Omike-sai (held daily)
History & Origins
Shrine tradition dates its founding to the 26th year of Emperor Suinin's reign, but the leading archaeological view places its establishment in the late 5th century, during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku. Its ritual system was put in order in the reigns of Emperor Temmu and Empress Jito, and the Shikinen Sengu began in the 4th year of Empress Jito (690). In the Edo period, a popular pilgrimage known as 'Okage Mairi' spread among ordinary people, drawing several million worshippers. In the first year of Meiji, Emperor Meiji made his first visit during his reign.
Highlights
The standard route links the Naiku and the Geku, and it is customary to begin at the Geku. The whole sacred precinct is worth seeing, including the Mitarashi riverside purification spot on the Isuzu River and the Uji Bridge at the Naiku, and the main sanctuary area of the Geku. Some 1,500 rituals are held each year, and the daily morning and evening food offering ceremony (Higoto Asayu Omike-sai) has continued for more than 1,500 years.
Visitor Guide
It is customary to visit the Geku (Toyouke Daijingu) first and then the Naiku (Kotai Jingu). Allow about one hour at each. Opening hours vary by season: 5:00-18:00 from January to April and in September, 5:00-19:00 from May to August, and 5:00-17:00 from October to December. The shrine can be reached by bus or on foot from Iseshi Station or Ujiyamada Station on the JR and Kintetsu lines.
Best Season
May, with fresh greenery, and November, with autumn foliage, are popular with worshippers. The Kanname-sai in October and the Niiname-sai in November, the shrine's most important rites, take place at these times. Quiet early morning hours are best for a visit.
Annual Events
- February
Kinensai (Prayer for a Bountiful Harvest Festival)
A festival to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five grains in the coming year. It is one of the three great important festivals, along with the Kannamesai and Niinamesai.
- May and October
Kanmisosai (Sacred Garments Festival)
A festival in which Nigitae and Aratae (silk and hemp cloth), woven in the ancient manner, are offered to Amaterasu Omikami.
- October
Kannamesai (First Fruits Festival)
The most important annual festival of the shrine, in which the year's new rice is offered to Amaterasu Omikami for the first time in thanks for the blessings of the harvest.
- November
Niinamesai (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival)
A festival to give thanks to Amaterasu Omikami for the autumn harvest. It is one of the three great important festivals.
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