Connecting spiritually with Japan at Ise Jingu

Entering Geku, the center of the path must be left empty for the gods.

Absorbing natures energy aids with the spiritual renewal.

After 20 years, this shrine was dismantled as par of the Shikinen Sengu ceremony

The new shrine, simple but beautiful.

Pilgrims make their way to Geku to pay their respects.

Geku Shrine nestled in the ancient forests of Ise.

New Year’s renewal.

The simpleness and beauty of wood.

One of the many small shrines that make part of Ise Jingu

If one pays attention to the details, a heart might be found.

Walking into the Naiku shrine.

A little cleansing of the hands to clear your soul.

Thousands of pilgrims make their way to Naiku Shrine as part of the New Year’s celebrations.

Pilgrims paying their respects to the shinto gods.

Pilgrims paying their respects to the shinto gods.

Pilgrims paying their respects to the shinto gods.

Welcome to the Ise Grand Shrine, also know as Jingu.  Without planning it, the visit to this very spiritual place ended up being one of the best highlights of a recent trip to Japan.

Jingu is located in the city of Ise, in Mie prefecture.  This is a massive complex of shrines spread out over 5500 hectares of land filled with the calming greenery of ancient forests.  Geku and Naiku are the two main shrines and the principal reason thousands of japanese make the pilgrimage to Ise.

I was fortunate to visit during the Shikinen Sengu (Year of Renewal) ceremony which occurs every 20 years and in which the old shrine is dismantled only to be build on an adjacent site.  It was wonderful to see the simpleness and humbleness of the japanese devotion to Shinto.  No matter what religious belief one might have, Ise Jingu is the perfect place to connect with your spiritual side while getting in touch with nature and its greatness.

If you are planning a visit to Japan please add this to your list…I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

For more information on the Shinto religion and Ise Jingu please visit http://www.isejingu.or.jp/shosai/english/index.htm

Mata ne!