Ise Grand Shrine: Visiting the Outer Shrine｜Traditions Passed Down Through the Shikinen Sengū and Differences from the Inner Shrine

Access to Ise Grand Shrine’s Geku (Outer Shrine)

Ise Grand Shrine consists of two major shrines: the Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine. After visiting the Inner Shrine, I took a bus to the Outer Shrine. Unlike the Inner Shrine, the Outer Shrine is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Ise-shi Station. Buses from the Inner Shrine don’t stop directly at the Outer Shrine. You must return to Ise-shi Station first, then head to the Outer Shrine. From the station, it takes about 5 minutes to arrive. After getting off the bus and crossing the traffic light, you immediately reach the entrance.

Cross the bridge to the sacred precincts

At the bridge near the entrance to the Geku (Outer Shrine), worshippers are required to keep to the left. This differs from the Naiku (Inner Shrine), where the right side is used, highlighting the distinct character of each shrine. While the exact reason for this difference is unclear, several theories have been passed down, rooted in ancient customs and Shinto philosophy. Ultimately, it is thought that the custom evolved to ensure worshippers walking the approach path would take the longest possible route toward the deity while also avoiding crossing paths with worshippers who had already completed their visit.

Purify body and mind at the water ablution pavilion

As you walk along the approach, you’ll find a temizuya where cool spring water flows. Using the ladle to purify your hands and mouth calms your mind, preparing you to enter the sacred precincts.

The Sacred Horse of the Sacred Horse House

At the Outer Shrine stands the Sacred Horse Stable, where horses serving the deity stand quietly. These sacred horses sometimes appear in special rituals, their presence inspiring reverence in the hearts of worshippers.

Tour the designated site for the Shikinen Sengū

Next time will be in Reiwa 15 (2033)

While visiting the Outer Shrine, I was able to see the site designated for the next Shikinen Sengū. The vast grounds are covered in white stones, quietly prepared for the next relocation. A new Main Hall is built next to the current one, and after the relocation, the old Main Hall is dismantled—this unique cyclical system has been maintained.

About Shikinen Sengū

At Ise Grand Shrine, the Shikinen Sengū ritual is performed every 20 years, rebuilding the Main Hall and transferring the sacred object to the new shrine. This tradition has continued for approximately 1,300 years, playing a vital role in maintaining the sanctity of the sacred precincts while also passing down the skills of the master carpenters and Japan’s ancient culture to future generations.

The exterior of the Main Hall and the sacred enclosure

The main shrine is enclosed by high sacred fences, and only part of its roof can be seen from outside. Though we cannot see it directly, we can feel that a sacred space is protected within.

The main hall at the heart of the Outer Shrine. Surrounded by high sacred fences, it exudes an air of solemnity.

The Main Hall of the Geku is the central shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, enshrining Toyouke-no-Ōmikami. Its thatched roof and white wooden torii gate are striking; while the entire building cannot be seen from outside, a sacred space is protected within. Worshippers pause before the sacred fence and quietly clasp their hands together. The solemn atmosphere unique to Geku pervades the place, inspiring deep reverence. After completing the worship in the quiet surrounded by the forest, I was enveloped in a feeling of clarity, as if my heart had been purified.

Summary

The Geku (Outer Shrine) of Ise Jingu is a sacred precinct with a distinct atmosphere from the Naiku (Inner Shrine). I encountered sights unique to the Geku: the bridge with left-hand traffic, the sacred horse stable, the Main Hall, and the planned site for the next Shikinen Sengu (Imperial Shrine Relocation Ceremony) in 2033.

This time, I visited both the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine consecutively. I walked slowly, stopping here and there along the way, and including bus travel time, it took about 3-4 hours to see everything (I think the morning is best for walking). I don’t usually have much religious faith, but being here, I felt a strange sense of reverence welling up inside me. I headed home wishing I could come back again if I had the chance.