Attractions of a family trip to Ise Jingu Shrine: Pilgrimage to the Inner and Outer Shrines and the solemn excitement and bustle at Okage Yokocho

Family Trip to Ise Jingu: Touring a Sacred Space

As a family destination, Ise Jingu is truly an ideal place to visit. Officially called Jingu, it is known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people with a history of approximately 2,000 years. Located in the Ise-Shima area, this magnificent shrine consists of 125 shrines, including two main shrines, the Naiku (Imperial Grand Shrine) and the Geku (Toyoke Grand Shrine). A family trip here is a great way to enjoy the austere atmosphere and naturally introduce children to traditional Japanese culture. Official websiteA detailed guide to visiting the shrine can be found on the official website of Ise Jingu Shrine. In addition, you can enjoy eating and walking in the nearby Okage Yokocho, a bustling street reminiscent of the Edo period. The official website of Okage YokochoOn the official website of Okage Yokocho, you can find full event information and store guides. Furthermore, the famous Akafuku rice cake is an indispensable item, and you can learn about its history and product information from Akafuku ‘s official website Akafuku official website. On this trip, my family and I shared an experience that blended such sacredness with everyday enjoyment.

Itinerary of worship: Sotogu to Naiku

Our family trip started at the Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu. The official order of worship is to visit the Outer Shrine first. This is because the Outer Shrine is responsible for the food of the deities of the Inner Shrine and follows the order of the rituals. At the Outer Shrine, Toyoke-no-Omikami is enshrined, and just walking along the quiet approach to the shrine, surrounded by vast forests, is a refreshing experience. The children were able to run around among the trees and learn about the solemnity of the shrine while experiencing nature.

Next, we moved to the Inner Shrine and crossed the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River. This bridge is symbolic as a gateway from the everyday world to the sacred realm. At the Inner Shrine, we toured around the main shrine, which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, as well as the separate shrines. The sound of stepping on the cobbles along the approach to the shrine was pleasant, and the moment when we joined hands as a family was very special. The entire tour takes about 30 minutes at the outer shrine and about one hour at the inner shrine, but we recommend that you take your time. If you are traveling with children, the trick is to take breaks as you go.

Sacred atmosphere and unique space

The most attractive thing about Ise Jingu is its solemn atmosphere. Unlike other shrines, the architecture is simple and blends in with nature, creating a unique space. At the Isuzu River in the Inner Shrine, the experience of purifying oneself by touching the water was impressive. This river is known as a symbol of purity and has long been a place where worshippers purify themselves. Children also dipped their hands in the riverside and enjoyed the cool feeling of the water. In addition, the Inner Shrine has a stage-like area where Onmyoji is said to have danced, evoking a mysterious history. These elements added depth to the family conversation.

The forest of the shrine is lined with trees hundreds of years old, and the air is full of negative ions that refresh the body. During worship, the sound of the wind and birds chirping in the silence brings peace of mind. This space is perfect for taking a break from the busy daily routine and reaffirming family ties.

Recommendation to stay overnight and efficient worship plan

If you want to fully enjoy Ise Jingu, I recommend staying overnight. We stayed at a nearby inn and divided our visit into two days: on the first day, we relaxed around the outer shrine, and on the second day, we went to the inner shrine early in the morning. The first day was spent relaxing around the Outer Shrine, while the second day we went to the Inner Shrine early in the morning. The approach to the shrine in the morning light was like a different world.

As a tip for family trips, it is best to separate the days while keeping the order of visitation. After visiting the Outer Shrine, we went straight to Okage Yokocho. This is a bustling street similar to Kamakura’s Komachi-dori, lined with stores that are reproductions of buildings from the Edo period. It is a great place for eating and walking, with a variety of skewers, beers, and sweet shops. Akafuku’s mochi, in particular, is a perfect harmony of soft red bean paste and rice cake. Children walked around with kushiyaki skewers in their hands, and adults also took a break for a beer. Spending time cooling off by the river near Yokocho is a highlight of the trip.

When choosing a place to stay, ryokan and hotels near the inner shrine are convenient. You will be able to visit the shrine early in the morning and avoid the crowds. You can also choose a facility with amenities for children to relieve your fatigue.

Bustling crowd and gourmet experience in Okage Yokocho

Okage Yokocho is a bustling spot as a gate town of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu. Lined with buildings reproducing the architecture of the Edo and Meiji periods, the atmosphere is like stepping back in time. It is a great place for families to enjoy eating and walking, and you can taste fresh rice cakes at Akafuku’s main store. Other local delicacies abound, such as Ise udon, tekonezushi, and seafood skewers. We enjoyed the kushiyaki with a beer in one hand, while the children enjoyed shaved ice at the sweet shop.

There are also many souvenir stores in Yokocho, where you can take home some of Ise-Shima’s specialties. Taking a break while soaking your feet in the nearby Isuzu River will help you forget the summer heat. This combination is the perfect way to relax after visiting the shrine. On a family trip, these lively activities are sure to leave a lasting impression on the children.

Learning and excitement gained as a family

Through this trip, our family was exposed to Japanese traditions and strengthened our bond with each other. The solemn air of the shrine makes us forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While the children enjoyed playing in the river and eating out, they naturally learned manners at the shrines. Mysterious stories, such as the legend of the Yin-Yang Master, stimulated their imagination and sparked family discussions.

In addition, the relaxed schedule with overnight stays made for a stress-free trip. The refreshing feeling of early morning worship is an unforgettable experience. The bustle of Okage Yokocho contrasted attractively with the solemn worship, making for a well-balanced itinerary.

Private Wisdom-like Summary

A family trip to Ise Jingu is not just sightseeing, but an experience that nourishes the soul. The key to private wisdom is to take advantage of overnight stays, separate days for worship and to savor the quiet of the morning. Reflecting in the solemnity of the shrine and sharing joy in the bustling side streets will leave a deep imprint in your family’s memory. This trip provides an opportunity to share the uniquely Japanese spirituality with your family, leaving a peaceful aftertaste that will linger long after you return to your daily routine.