Ise City (伊勢市), formerly called Uji-Yamada (宇治山田), is a city located in southeastern Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshu (本州), Japan.  Ise is home to Ise-jingu Shrine (伊勢神宮), the most sacred Shinto Shrine over more than 100,000 Shinto sanctuaries in Japan, and is thus a very popular destination for tourists.  The city has a long-standing nickname which roughly means "Shin-to" (神都; literally meaning "Capital of the Kami [Gods]").  It is part of Ise-Shima National Park (伊勢志摩国立公園).
  Ise's history is directly linked to that of Ise-jingu Shrine.  It is important to note that Ise-jingu Shrine is separated into two main parts: The Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine.  Despite the names, these are actually two physically separate shrines approximately six kilometers apart.
  Modern Ise began with small settlements that sprung up around the two shrines.  It is consisted of two parts: Toyouke Dai-Jin-gu (豊受大神宮), also called "Ge-ku" (外宮; the Outer Shrine) and Ko Tai-Jin-gu (皇大神宮), also called "Nai-ku" (内宮; the Inner Shrine).  During the Edo period, Ise was a popular destination for pilgrimages which were called "o-Ise-mairi" (お伊勢参り; visits [pilgrimages] to the Grand Shrines of Ise) and thus these settlements grew larger and developed into small villages.  The village around the Inner Shrine was named Uji (宇治) and the village around the Outer Shrine was named Yamada (山田).  Because of the religious importance of Ise-jingu Shrine, the Shogunate during the Edo Period viewed the area as politically significant and installed a magistrate in Yamada.
  Ise-jingu Shrine is sometimes called "The Shrine of the shrines" to indicate its status as the most sacred Shinto shrine.  Legend has it that Yata-no-kagami (八咫鏡; The Sacred Mirror), one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (三種の神器), is housed somewhere within the grounds.  The entire Shrine is completely rebuilt from scratch every twenty years using fresh lumber that is brought to Ise and then ceremonially carried through the city streets on its way to the Shrine during an okihiki (お木曳).  The Shrine is currently in its 61st reconstruction, meaning this tradition has been carried out since the 4th year of Emperor Jito (持統天皇4年) or AD 690.  The next (62nd) reconstruction will be in 2013 (平成25年).  (Main reference: the site of "Ise, Mie --Wikipedia.")
  Ise City has an area of 208.53 sq. km and its population is 132,460 (April 1, 2009): the population density is 635 persons/ sq. km.

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Iseshi Station

Iseshi Station (伊勢市駅) is an interchange station for Central Japan Railway Company (JR東海) and Kintetsu Corporation (近畿日本鉄道). It is located at 1-4 (1-57) Fukiage-1-chome, Ise City (伊勢市吹上一丁目1-4 [JR東海] and 伊勢市吹上一丁目1-57[近鉄]). This is the nearest station to the Ge-ku (外宮: Outer Shrine) , or formally called Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (豊受大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine.

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(Saturday 14 March) Iseshi Station, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Iseshi Station, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Iseshi Station, Ise City

Approach to the "Ge-ku"

Approach to the Ge-ku (外宮: Outer Shrine), or formally called Toyouke Dai-jingu (豊受大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine from Iseshi Station, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Approach to the Ge-ku (外宮: Outer Shrine) , or formally called Toyouke Dai-jingu (豊受大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine from Iseshi Station, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Kikuichimonji Kanechika-honten (菊一文字金近本店) on the approach to the Ge-ku from Iseshi Station, or 18-18 Hon-machi, Ise City (三重県伊勢市本町18-18). "Kikuichimonji" is a historical brand name of cutlery, although there is another shop using the brand name in Kawara-machi, Sanjo-nishi-hairu, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (京都市中京区河原町三条西入る).

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(Saturday 14 March) Kikuichimonji Kanechika-honten (菊一文字金近本店) on the approach to the Ge-ku from Iseshi Station, or 18-18 Hon-machi, Ise City (三重県伊勢市本町18-18). "Kikuichimonji" is a historical brand name of cutlery, although there is another shop using the brand name in Kawara-machi, Sanjo-nishi-hairu, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (京都市中京区河原町三条西入る).

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(Saturday 14 March) Approach to the Ge-ku (外宮: Outer Shrine) , or formally called Toyouke Dai-jingu (豊受大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine from Iseshi Station, Ise City

Toyouke Dai-jingu

The Ge-ku Shrine (外宮: Outer Shrine) , or formally called Toyouke Dai-jingu (豊受大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine from Iseshi Station, Ise City. Established in AD 477, Outer Shrine is dedicated to Toyouke-Omikami (豊受大神), the goddess of food, clothing, and shelter (life's basic needs), who is the provider of sacred foods to Amaterasu-Omikami (天照大神). Pilgrims are supposed to visit the Outer Shrine before visiting the Inner Shrine. The structure of the sanctuary of Ge-ku is essentially the same as Nai-ku (内宮)'s, and its annual ceremonies follow the same pattern. However, there is an important distinction between Ge-ku and Nai-ku, in that only in Ge-ku sacred food offerings are made every morning and afternoon in the Mike-den (御饌殿). These offerings of sacred foods are made to Amaterasu-Omikami, enshrined in Nai-ku, by Toyouke-Omikami. Ge-ku, like Nai-ku, is one of the main sanctuaries of Jingu, which constitutes a single system. Similarly, the Jingu priesthood forms one entity, the responsibilities of which include the performance of ceremonies in both Nai-ku and Ge-ku, as well as their respective auxiliary and lesser sanctuaries. The first auxiliary sanctuary of Ge-ku is Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), dedicated to the kami of the earth, and Kaze-no-miya (風宮), (Main reference: the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Saturday 14 March) Illustrated map of Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Omote-sando (表参道; the main approach), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Omote-sando Hiyoke-bashi Bridge (表参道日除橋), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Omote-sando Hiyoke-bashi Bridge (表参道日除橋), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Magatama-ike Pond (勾玉池), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Daiichi-Torii (第一鳥居; the First Shrine Gate), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Entrance to Sai-kan (斎館; the Purification Hall), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Some sacred area between Dai-Ichi Torii and Dainii-Torii, Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Daini-Torii (第二鳥居; the Second Shrine Gate), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Dance Hall), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Dance Hall) (right) and Kujo-den Hall (九丈殿), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) A directional arrow to Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) A sacred tree on the way to Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Near Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Near Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Some ritual site in the opposite side of Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) "Shin-Mishiki-chi" (新御敷地; the new [alternate] site) of Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City. Every sanctuary in Jingu consists of two identical adjoining sites. Since the seventh century AD, with only a few exceptions, Nai-ku, Ge-ku and their respective auxiliary sanctuaries have been rebuilt and the symbols of the kami (ご神体; goshintai) they enshrine have been ceremoniously transferred in solemn nocturnal ceremonies from the old sanctuary buildings to newly reconstructed buildings in their adjoining sanctuaries. This ceremonial system, referred to as "Shikinen Sengu" (式年遷宮), is thought of as an elaborate "Kanname-sai" (神嘗祭; the Offering of First Fruits) ceremony. It involves the reconstruction of the sanctuary buildings as well as the renewal of the sacred apparel and treasures which are carried to the new sanctuary buildings along with the symbol of the kami and pray for peace in the world.

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Sho-gu (正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Signpost of the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kaze-no-miya (別宮 風宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Kaze-no-miya (別宮 風宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Kaze-no-miya (別宮 風宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) The new [alternate] site of the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kaze-no-miya (別宮 風宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City. Every sanctuary in Jingu consists of two identical adjoining sites. Since the seventh century AD, with only a few exceptions, Nai-ku, Ge-ku and their respective auxiliary sanctuaries have been rebuilt and the symbols of the kami (ご神体; goshintai) they enshrine have been ceremoniously transferred in solemn nocturnal ceremonies from the old sanctuary buildings to newly reconstructed buildings in their adjoining sanctuaries. This ceremonial system, referred to as "Shikinen Sengu" (式年遷宮), is thought of as an elaborate "Kanname-sai" (神嘗祭; the Offering of First Fruits) ceremony. It involves the reconstruction of the sanctuary buildings as well as the renewal of the sacred apparel and treasures which are carried to the new sanctuary buildings along with the symbol of the kami and pray for peace in the world.

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(Saturday 14 March) Signpost of Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) The new [alternate] site of the Auxiliary Sanctuary Tsuchi-no-miya (別宮 土宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City. Every sanctuary in Jingu consists of two identical adjoining sites. Since the seventh century AD, with only a few exceptions, Nai-ku, Ge-ku and their respective auxiliary sanctuaries have been rebuilt and the symbols of the kami (ご神体; goshintai) they enshrine have been ceremoniously transferred in solemn nocturnal ceremonies from the old sanctuary buildings to newly reconstructed buildings in their adjoining sanctuaries. This ceremonial system, referred to as "Shikinen Sengu" (式年遷宮), is thought of as an elaborate "Kanname-sai" (神嘗祭; the Offering of First Fruits) ceremony. It involves the reconstruction of the sanctuary buildings as well as the renewal of the sacred apparel and treasures which are carried to the new sanctuary buildings along with the symbol of the kami and pray for peace in the world.

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(Saturday 14 March) Stone steps up to Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) The new [alternate] site of the Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City. Every sanctuary in Jingu consists of two identical adjoining sites. Since the seventh century AD, with only a few exceptions, Nai-ku, Ge-ku and their respective auxiliary sanctuaries have been rebuilt and the symbols of the kami (ご神体; goshintai) they enshrine have been ceremoniously transferred in solemn nocturnal ceremonies from the old sanctuary buildings to newly reconstructed buildings in their adjoining sanctuaries. This ceremonial system, referred to as "Shikinen Sengu" (式年遷宮), is thought of as an elaborate "Kanname-sai" (神嘗祭; the Offering of First Fruits) ceremony. It involves the reconstruction of the sanctuary buildings as well as the renewal of the sacred apparel and treasures which are carried to the new sanctuary buildings along with the symbol of the kami and pray for peace in the world.

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(Saturday 14 March) A view of the Sacred Forest from the Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) A view of the Sacred Forest from the Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) A view of the Sacred Forest from the Auxiliary Sanctuary Taka-no-miya (多賀宮), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Kitamikado-Torii (北御門鳥居; Kitamikado Shrine Gate), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

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(Saturday 14 March) Mi-Uma-ya (御厩; the Sacred Horse House), Toyouke Dai-jingu Shrine (Ge-ku) of Ise-jingu Shrine, Ise City

Maguro-chaya Amiya

Maguro-chaya Amiya (まぐろ茶屋 綱屋), 121-9 Uji-Imazaike-cho, Ise City (伊勢市宇治今在家121-9). It is located in front of the bus stop "Nai-ku-mae" (内宮前) off the popular Oharai-machi street.

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(Saturday 14 March) "Hon-maguro O-toro-don Setto" (本マグロ大トロ丼セット; the Black Tuna [Thunnus orientalis] Rice Bowl & Ise-udon noodles, 1,750 yen), Maguro-chaya Amiya, 121-9 Uji-Imazaike-cho, Ise City. As you see, the typical Ise-udon consists of softly-boiled thick noodles and sweet sooty sickly soy sauce.

Kotai-jingu (Nai-ku)

Kotai-jingu Shrine (皇大神宮) of Ise-jingu Shrine is widely known as Nai-ku (内宮). Inner Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami (天照大神), the sun goddess who is sometimes called the "supreme kami." This shrine sees many visitors from around Japan on a daily basis; there is a sharp increase during the New Year's season. People traditionally visit a shrine on New Year's Day, but since it will be the first visit of a new year, special consideration is given to the choice of the shrine. Some people travel to shrines that may be more significant than ones in their own area, and this inevitably leads people to Ise-jingu Shrine, particularly the Inner Shrine. The inner sanctum of the main shrine area within the Inner Shrine is off-limits to visitors, thus only the rooftop of the structure that houses the kami can be seen. This image widely represents Ise-jingu Shrine. Originally (more precisely, "legendarily"), Amaterasu-Omikami was revered within the Imperial Palace by successive Japanese Emperors. However, in the era of the 10th Emperor Sujin (崇神天皇) (1 BC), in awe of the divine authority of Amaterasu-Omikami, the august mirror (symbol of the kami [神], or goshintai [ご神体]) was moved from the Imperial Palace by the Imperial Princess Toyosukiirihime-no-mikoto (豊鍬入姫命) and was revered in Kasanui-no-mura (笠縫邑). Thereafter, during the reign of the 11th Emperor Suinin (垂仁天皇), in respectful obeisance of the divine command of Amaterasu-Omikami for a more appropriate sanctuary, the Imperial Princess Yamatohime-nomikoto (倭姫命) departed from Kasanui-no-mura. After searching in other regions, finally in the 26th year of the reign of Emperor Suinin (3 BC), she decided upon the present sanctuary of Nai-ku, by the upper Isuzu Rover (五十鈴川), as the place where Amaterasu-Omikami should be enshrined for eternity. In addition to Nai-ku and Ge-ku, Jingu also includes fourteen "Bekku" (別宮; auxiliary sanctuaries), as well as one hundred and nine lesser sanctuaries, including sessha (摂社), massha (末社), and shokan-sha (所管社) in which are generally located facilities for the preparation of sacred food and textile offerings. The hills beyond Jingu, which cover an area of 5,500 hectares, are part of the sacred grounds of Nai-ku. Until the Middle Ages, all timber used in the reconstruction of the sanctuaries of Jingu on the occasion of the "Shikinen Sengu" (式年遷宮) was obtained from these forests. Since that time, however, the 13,000 trees necessary for the "Shikinen Sengu" have been obtained from the Kiso Mountain Range (木曽山脈), which extends between Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. However, a reforestation program spanning sixty years was begun in 1926 whereby young Japanese cypress or hinoki (檜) trees were planted over an area of 3,500 hectares in the hills of Nai-ku. These trees will be ready for harvest in the future, for periodic reconstructions of the sanctuary buildings of Jingu. Today, as in the past, in the year following the "Shikinen Sengu" the former sanctuary buildings are systematically deconstructed. Their materials, regarded as sacred, are distributed to other sanctuaries in the Ise Region and elsewhere in Japan for the purpose of their respective repair or periodic reconstructions. (Main Reference: the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Saturday 14 March) Uji-bashi Torii Shrine Gate (宇治橋鳥居), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Uji-bashi Torii Shrine Gate (宇治橋鳥居) and Uji-bashi Bridge (宇治橋) under restoration, Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Uji-bashi Bridge (宇治橋) under restoration over the Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Uji-bashi Bridge (宇治橋) under restoration over the Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Uji-bashi Bridge (宇治橋) under restoration over the Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) The Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Dai-Ichi-Torii (第一鳥居; the First Shrine Gate), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Dai-Ichi-Torii (第一鳥居; the First Shrine Gate), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Temizu-sha (手水舎; the Wash Basin), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) The Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) The Isuzu-gawa River (五十鈴川), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Dai-Ni-Torii (第二鳥居; the Second Shrine Gate), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Music and Dance Hall), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Music and Dance Hall), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Music and Dance Hall), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kagura-den Hall (神楽殿; the Sacred Music and Dance Hall), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Gojo-den (五丈殿), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Yuki-no-mikura (由貴御倉), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Gehei-den (外幣殿; the Outer Treasury), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Approach to the Kotai-jingu Sho-gu (the Main Sanctuary), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kotai-jingu Sho-gu (皇大神宮正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kotai-jingu Sho-gu (皇大神宮正宮; the Main Sanctuary), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Some Sacred Trees, Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Koden-chi (古殿地; the Alternate Site of Sanctuary), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Two directional arrows (the right one for Kotai-jingu Sho-gu and the left one is for the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Mishine-no-mikura (御稲御倉;the Rice Storehouse), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Mishine-no-mikura (御稲御倉;the Rice Storehouse), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Mishine-no-mikura (御稲御倉;the Rice Storehouse), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Mishine-no-mikura (御稲御倉;the Rice Storehouse), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Approach down to Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

mis2009-136

(Saturday 14 March) Bestu-gu Aramatsuri-no-miya (別宮 荒祭宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Aramatsuri-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) A directional arrow for Kazehinomi-no-miya (風日祈宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kazehinomi-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinominomiya-bashi Bridge (風日祈宮橋), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinominomiya-bashi Bridge (風日祈宮橋), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinominomiya-bashi Bridge (風日祈宮橋), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinominomiya-bashi Bridge (風日祈宮橋), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinominomiya-bashi Bridge (風日祈宮橋), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Signpost for Kazehinomi-no-miya (風日祈宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kazehinomi-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinomi-no-miya (風日祈宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kazehinomi-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku. According to the Official Pamphlet, this god is the one who made a great storm later called kami-kaze (神風; lit. the divine wind) to throw back the Mongolian Invasions of 1274 and 1281.

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(Saturday 14 March) Kazehinomi-no-miya (風日祈宮; the Auxiliary Sanctuary Kazehinomi-no-miya), Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) A red ume tree, Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

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(Saturday 14 March) Another red ume tree, Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku

Oharai-machi

Oharai-machi (おはらい町) or Okage-yokocho (おかげ横町) is on the approach to Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as Nai-ku.

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(Saturday 14 March) Oharai-machi or Okage-yokocho on the approach to Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as "Nai-ku"

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(Saturday 14 March) Oharai-machi or Okage-yokocho on the approach to Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as "Nai-ku"

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(Saturday 14 March) Oharai-machi or Okage-yokocho on the approach to Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as "Nai-ku"

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(Saturday 14 March) Oharai-machi or Okage-yokocho on the approach to Kotai-jingu Shrine of Ise-jingu Shrine or widely known as "Nai-ku"

Ise-Shima Skyline

Ise-Shima Skyline (伊勢志摩スカイライン) is a toll road around the sacred Asama Hill (浅熊山, 555 m high in the north peak; 540 m high in the south peak) located in Ise-Shima National Park (伊勢志摩国立公園). You can have a panoramic view of the Ise Bay (伊勢湾) on the road.

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(Saturday 14 March) A view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of Ise City from Ichieda Observatory (一宇田展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Asama-Sanjo Observatory (朝熊山上展望台), Ise-Shima Skyline

Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple (勝峰山金剛證寺) is located 548 Asama-chodake, Ise City (伊勢市朝熊町岳548). It belongs to the Rinzai-shu Nanzenji-ha sect of Buddhism. Reportedly it was founded by Kyotai-shonin (暁台上人) in the middle 6th century. Also reportedly, Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海) restored this temple in AD 285 (天長2年) as a monastery for Shingon-mikkyo (真言密教), a school of Esoteric Buddhism brought to Japan by Kobo-daishi Kukai (774-835). Although the temple gradually declined, Buniku Togaku (東岳 文�G) of Kencho-ji Temple, Kamakura (鎌倉 建長寺) restored it again and converted it to the Rinzai-shu-Nanzenji-ha sect of Zen Buddhism (臨済宗南禅寺派) in 1392 (明徳3年). In the Muromachi Period (室町時代; 1336-1573) this temple linked to Ise-jingu Shrine under the popular idea of "Shinbutsu-shugo" (神仏習合; fusion of kami and buddhas). People gradually considered this as a guardian temple of Ise-jingu Shrine because of its location in the direction of the "demon's gate" (鬼門; the northeastern quarter) of Jingu. Then the popular phrase below was born: "If you visit Ise-jingu Shrine, Gallop up the Asama Hill on your return. If you do not, it would make 'single pilgrimage'" (「お伊勢参らば朝熊をかけよ、朝熊かけねば片参り」). In the Edo Period (江戸時代; 1603-1867) the temple prospered as "Oku-no-in" (奥の院; the penetralia) of Ise-jingu Shrine, attracting many visitors day by day. After the Meiji Restoration of Imperial Rule in January 1868, however, the temple began to decline little by little because of the new government's series of laws under the new idea of "Shinbutsu-bunri" (神仏分離; separation of kami and buddhas). It is still a popular sightseeing place for visitors by their cars. Unfortunately, no public bus service is available now (March 2009).

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(Saturday 14 March) Signboard of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple representing a famous phrase from an Ise chorus song (伊勢音頭), "If you visit Ise-jingu Shrine, Gallop up the Asama Hill on your return. If you do not, it would make 'single pilgrimage'" (「お伊勢参らば朝熊をかけよ、朝熊かけねば片参り」).

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(Saturday 14 March) San-mon Gate (山門), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A seated statue of the Buddha, Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Nio-mon Gate (仁王門) restored in 1979, Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) One of the two Deva statues of Nio-mon Gate (仁王門), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The other of the two Deva statues of Nio-mon Gate (仁王門), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Tsurema-no-ike Pond (連間の池), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Tsurema-no-ike Pond (連間の池), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Renjyu-bashi Bridge (連珠橋) over Tsurema-no-ike Pond (連間の池), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Renjyu-bashi Bridge (連珠橋) over Tsurema-no-ike Pond (連間の池), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Yakuyoke-6-Jizo-son" (厄除け六地蔵尊; the Aapotropaic Jizo of the Six States of Existence), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the Main Hall) keeping the main image of Kokuzo-bosatsu (虚空蔵菩薩; Akasagarbha--bodhisattva), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Bussoku-ato-no-ishi (佛足跡の石; the Stone of the Buddha's Foot Print), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Statue of "Chie-Tora" (智慧寅; the Intelligent Tiger) in front of "Hon-do," Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Statue of "Fuku-Ushi" (福丑; the Lucky Ox), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the Main Hall) keeping the main image of Kokuzo-bosatsu (虚空蔵菩薩; Akasagarbha--bodhisattva), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the Main Hall) keeping the main image of Kokuzo-bosatsu (虚空蔵菩薩; Akasagarbha--bodhisattva), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Myojo-do Hall (明星堂), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Myojo-do Hall (明星堂), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Inside of Myojo-do Hall (明星堂), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The sacred well of Myojo-do Hall (明星堂), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Some Buddhist monuments, Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Statue of Tenne Bosatsu (天衣菩薩; Bodhisattva in a Heavenly Gossamer Robe) in the side of the gate of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), the Gate of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Illustrated Map of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Gokuraku Gate (極楽門) of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Toba" (塔婆; Buddhist wood pillars for the repose of the dead) on the way to "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Toba" (塔婆; Buddhist wood pillars for the repose of the dead) on the way to "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Toba" (塔婆; Buddhist wood pillars for the repose of the dead) on the way to "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A bridge on the way to "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Toba" (塔婆; Buddhist wood pillars for the repose of the dead) on the way to "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Numerous statues of Jizo (地蔵; Ksitigarbha; guardian deity of children), "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Numerous statues of Jizo (地蔵; Ksitigarbha; guardian deity of children), "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A view of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Gokuraku Gate (極楽門) of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The message board of "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple: "The Dhamma, the truth taught by the Buddha, is to live your best life" (「仏法とは、力いっぱい生きることです」). I would like to present this teaching to all of you around the world, whatever religion you believe in or who you are.

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(Saturday 14 March) The bridge on the way back from "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple. See the above pic "mis2009-226."

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(Saturday 14 March) A view on the way back from "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) "Toba" (塔婆; Buddhist wood pillars for the repose of the dead) on the way back from "Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The gate of Oku-no-in" (奥之院; the Sanctum Sanctorum), Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The signpost indicating the top (555 meters above sea level) of Asama-ga-take (朝熊ヶ岳) near Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Inside of Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Inside of Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) The sacred pond of the dragon, Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple. As legend tells, there lived a dragon in this pond, which was the origin of the shrine name.

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(Saturday 14 March) Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bayfrom Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

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(Saturday 14 March) A panoramic view of the Ise Bay from Hachidai-Ryu-o-sha Shrine (八大龍王社) in the precincts of Shoho-zan Kongosho-ji Temple

        

Copyright (c) 2009 Eishiro Ito.  All rights reserved.