Background

Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Discover Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, Ise Jingu Naiku, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, and experience its rich history and spiritual significance.

4.7

Kotai Jingu, also known as Ise Jingu Naiku or the Inner Sanctuary, is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. Believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago, it is a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Japanese people.

A brief summary to Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Local tips

  • Visit Geku (Outer Shrine) before Naiku (Inner Shrine), as it is customary to do so.
  • Take time to purify yourself at the Isuzu River before approaching the main sanctuary.
  • Explore the auxiliary shrines within Naiku, such as Aramatsurinomiya and Kazahinominomiya.
  • Be mindful of the dress code and etiquette when visiting the shrine.
  • Check the worship times as they vary depending on the month.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station or JR Iseshi Station, take a bus to the Naiku-mae bus stop. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From Kintetsu Isuzugawa Station, a bus ride to Naiku-mae takes about 6 minutes, but note that the number of buses from Isuzugawa Station is limited. A one-way bus fare is around ¥300.

  • Walking

    From the Naiku-mae bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance of Ise Jingu Naiku. Follow the signs and walk along the path leading to the Uji Bridge. The walk from Isuzugawa Station is approximately 30 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from both Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station and JR Iseshi Station. A taxi ride to Ise Jingu Naiku will take around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥1,500 and ¥2,000.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, use the Ise Municipal Uji Parking Lot. Parking is free for the first 2 hours, then ¥100 for each 30 minutes. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the Naiku entrance.

Unlock the Best of Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Ise Jingu Naiku, formally known as Kotai Jingu, stands as the most venerable Shinto sanctuary in Japan, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial family and the guardian of the Japanese people. The origins of Naiku trace back to ancient times, with modern research suggesting its establishment in the 4th century, and some structures possibly erected even earlier. According to tradition, Yamatohime-no-Mikoto, daughter of Emperor Suinin, sought a sacred place for over 20 years to enshrine Amaterasu Omikami. Naiku's main buildings, resembling ancient rice granaries, showcase the unique Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, predating Buddhist influences. The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years in a ritual called Shikinen Sengu, maintaining the traditional architectural style. The 62nd rebuilding was completed in 2013, and the next is planned for 2033. A visit to Naiku typically begins at Uji Bridge, a wooden structure stretching across the Isuzu River. After crossing the bridge, visitors can purify themselves at the riverside using the sacred river water. The main sanctuary, surrounded by fences, houses the sacred mirror Yata no Kagami, one of the Imperial family's three heirlooms. Within the shrine grounds are auxiliary shrines like Aramatsurinomiya and Kazahinominomiya. Aramatsurinomiya enshrines the positive aspect of Amaterasu Omikami, while Kazahinominomiya is dedicated to the deities of wind and rain.

Popular Experiences near Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Popular Hotels near Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Select Currency