30-Min. Sample Route (Geku)
It is considered customary to visit Geku first on visits to Ise Jingu. The main path where sunlight filters gently through the leaves of trees above provides a calming walk to the main sanctuary which when viewed from the vacant plot of land where it used to be pre-reconstruction invites onlookers to travel back in time to a mysterious mythological age.
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30 min course (Geku)
This route hits all of the major highlights of Geku. Beware, as the time required for each recommended route does not include formal ceremonies. Not all of the spots introduced in these routes may be accessible depending on unforseen circumstances.
- ❶ Hiyokebashi Bridge
- ❷ Temizusha
- ❸ Toyo'uke-daijingu(Geku)
- ❹ Mishikichi
- ❺ Mitsu-ishi Triple Stones
- ❻ Taka-no-miya
- ❼ Tsuchi-no-miya
- ❽ Kaze-no-miya
- ❾ Kaguraden (Geku)
You can also view the route map onGoogle My Maps.
30 min course (Geku)
❶ Hiyokebashi Bridge
The Hiyokebashi Bridge crosses over a canal created as a means of fire prevention that flows at the entrance to the shrine precincts.
Why it is Customary to
Visit Geku First
The ceremonies of Jingu are held at Geku first, influencing a custom of visiting Geku before Naiku that has been practiced for centuries. As the diety of Amaterasu-Omikami's sacred offerings, Toyo'uke-no-Omikami would provide meals before important ceremonies at Naiku, leading to the order of shrine visits still prominent today.
30 min course (Geku)
❷ Temizusha
This basin is used for ablution, a simple purification ritual which involves washing one's left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
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30 min course (Geku)
❸ Toyo'uke-daijingu(Geku)
Toyo'uke-daijingu enshrines Toyo'uke-no-Omikami, the kami responsible for offerings to Amaterasu-Omikami. She is the guardian deity of all industry, including food, clothing, and shelter.
30 min course (Geku)
❹ Mishikichi
The alternate site where the previous divine palace stood. On the occasion of the next Shikinen Sengu, a new divine palace will be constructed here.
30 min course (Geku)
❺ Mitsu-ishi Triple Stones
Three stones piled atop one another where Kawara-Oharai, a ceremonial purification for treasures and shrine attire, is conducted during Shiknen Sengu.
About Distant Worship
At one point, the main path at Geku branches of into a separate area paved with white stone and tied off with sacred shimenawa rope. This is where the affiliated superior betsugu shrine Taka-no-Miya is located. It is a place for worshipping from afar that has been used during the ceremonies of Shikinen Sengu. There is a similar place for distant worship in Neku as well known as Aramatsuri-no-miya that is also used for important rituals and ceremonies of Shikinen Sengu.
30 min course (Geku)
❻ Taka-no-miya
The vigorous aspect, or Aramitama, of Toyo'uke-no-Omikami's spirit is enshrined in this affiliated betsugu shrine, ranked highest in its shrine class at Geku.
30 min course (Geku)
❼ Tsuchi-no-miya
Ōtsuchinomioya-no-kami, the kami of land is enshrined here. It is the only affiliated betsugu shrine to face the east.
30 min course (Geku)
❽ Kaze-no-miya
Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto and Shinatobe-no-mikoto who preside over wind are enshrined here. They are the same deities enshrined at Kazahinomi-no-miya in Naiku.
30 min course (Geku)
❾ Kaguraden (Geku)
Along the path to the main sanctuary lies a building with copper shingle roofing known as Kaguraden that offers formal ceremonies, amulets, talismans, and shrine seals.