Shrine Etiquette

The mass pilgrimages to Ise in the Edo period were inspired by a folk song that spread throughout Japan with the lyrics “I yearn to travel to Ise, to see the Ise-ji road, at least once in my lifetime.” The feelings of longing and reverence evoked by the song have remained in the hearts of the Japanese for centuries, and today people travel from all over Japan to visit Ise, with over 8 million visitors to Naiku and Geku each year.

Performing Temizu
(Ritual Purification)

Praying to Kami

Request to shrine visitorsRegarding Formal Ceremonies

Performing Temizu
(Ritual Purification)

Before approaching the main sanctuary, it is custompary to perform a simple act of purification by washing one's mouth and hands at the temizu basin. The simple act cleanses the body and soul.

1

Take the dipper with your right hand and fill it with water.Pour some water over your left hand to rinse it.

2

Shift the dipper to your left hand and rinse your right hand.

3

Take the dipper with your right hand again, and pour water into your left hand cupped to rinse your mouth.
Be careful not to touch the dipper directly to your mouth.

4

Wash your left hand one last time.

5

Tilt the dipper so that the remaining water trickles down the handle to cleanse it.

Praying to Kami

When you reach a shrine, or jinja, in Jingu, you can show respect to the enshrined kami in the following way.

1

Go before the kami and stand up straight.

2

Bow twice deeply.

3

Place your hands together at chest height, then angle the fingertips of your right hand slightly downward.

4

Clap your hands twice.

5

Finally, bow once more deeply.

Request to shrine visitors

• We ask that you please walk on the left side of the road in Geku and the right side in Naiku.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited in the shrine precincts. Please use designated smoking areas.
• Eating and drinking is prohibited in the shrine precincts. You may hydrate yourself in the rest area.
• Pets are not allowed in the shrine precincts. The guardpost at the entrance may watch over your pet while you visit the shrine.

Regarding Formal Ceremonies

We offer formal ceremonies by request for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. It is not possible to make reservations in advance as ceremonies are performed in order of request. To apply for a ceremony, visit the reception center at Kaguraden in either Naiku or Geku.

The Difference Between
Mike and Okagura

Formal ceremonies offered at the respective Kaguraden of Naiku and Geku are performed in two different ways. The first type, mike, involves a purification ritual, followed by an offering, and finally the recitation of a ritual prayer to convey one's devotion and wishes to the kami. The entire ceremony takes about 15 minutes to perform. In addition to these rituals, the latter type of ceremony, okagura, involves an elegant ritual dance performance accompanied by traditional gagaku court music, and typically last from 25 to 40 minutes. Both types of ceremony are an embodiment of devotion and gratitude to the kami, who will in turn bless you with even greater divine protection, brightening and enriching your daily life.

Formal Ceremony Reception

Kaguraden (Naiku)

Precinct Map