Ise Jingu Shrine, Geku First and Then Naiku

Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine), officially called Jingu, consists of 125 Shinto shrines. Crossing the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River at the entrance of a main shrine, Kotaijingu (Naiku), you are in a sacred world where the deities dwell. As you walk the pea gravel approach along the giant cedar trees, you may feel the awe of the sanctuary. 1,500 rituals are conducted annually to pray for the prosperity and peace of the Imperial Family, people, and the world. The two main shrines are Kotaijingu, which is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral deity of Japan's Imperial family, and Toyo’uke-daijingu, also known as Geku, which is dedicated to Toyo’uke-no-Omikami. Toyo’uke-no-Omikami was summoned to Jingu from Tanba province, a northern area of Kyoto prefecture, to provide companionship and serve sacred food to Amaterasu-Omikami according to Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihonshoki (The Chronicles of Japan). Since ancient times, it has been customary to pray first at Geku and then at Naiku when visiting Ise Jingu.

Three Venerable and Important Festivals

Among the approximately 1,500 festivals held at Jingu throughout the year, the Sansetsu (Three Major Festivals)—namely the Kannamesai in October and the Tsukinamisai in June and December—are regarded as especially sacred and important. The Kannamesai, held annually from October 15 to 17 (September 17 to 19 in the lunar calendar), is the most significant festival at Ise Jingu. In the stillness at night, sacred offerings known as O-mike, which include new grain rice, rice cakes, and sacred sake, and other foods from the sea and mountains, are prepared and presented to the deities twice at 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. Following these offerings, Shinto priests pray for the prosperity of the Imperial Family and nation, for a bountiful harvest, and for peace among the people.

Toyo’uke-no-Omikami: The Deity of Food and Nourishment

According to tradition, Toyo’uke-no-Omikami at Geku prepares these sacred offerings as the deity of food, and they are then presented to Amaterasu-Omikami at Naiku. In other words, without the preparation by Toyo’uke-no-Omikami, the offerings cannot be made to Amaterasu-Omikami at Naiku. For this reason, the custom of worshipping at Geku before Naiku has been observed since ancient times.

Prayers Reach Toyo’uke-no-Omikami, Then Amaterasu-Omikami

There is another story based on Inyo Gogyo (Yin-Yang Wu-Hsing theory). The 40th Emperor Tenmu (? -686, 天武天皇) evolved this theory and attempted to deify the position of emperor. For this, he transformed the Ise Jingu by integrating the heavens. That is, synchronizes his ancestral deity, Amaterasu-Omikami, with Taiitsu (Polaris) and invites Toyo’uke-no-Omikami from Tanba province as Amaterasu’s specific vehicle (Triones). Kojiki and Nihonshoki introduce that Amaterasu-Omikami says it's difficult for me to stay at a spot, implying the necessity of my vehicle. It’s difficult for me to eat alone, implying the necessity of the deity of the crop. Jingu’s most important Kanname-sai festival is held on October 15th-17th, starting at 10 pm. At that time, Triones is positioned on the northwest horizon, and its ladle faces upwards onto the north, Taiitsu within reach. Shinto priests devote the Shinkoku (first crop of the year) to Triones (Toyo’uke-no-Omikami ). Then Toyo’uke-no-Omikami devotes it to Taiitsu (Amaterasu-Omikami). This is one possible reason why it’s best to pray at “Geku first and then, Naiku”; otherwise, prayers do not reach Amaterasu-Omikami.

(Reference:「隠された神々(Hidden Kami)」ISBN978-4-309-41330-3, Author folklorist, Hiroko Yoshino) [Note: This is NOT an official statement of Ise-Jingu. Now, the Kanname-sai festival begins at 10:00 p.m.]

Jingu Has Proven The Coexistence With Nature

Since a large amount of wood is used for the Sengu, tireless efforts are being made to plant trees in the palace forests near the shrine in anticipation of several hundred years. In this forest, about 2,800 species of animals, 140 species of birds, and 850 species of plants have been identified, giving us the rich bounty of nature. The prayers of the ancient people to the supernatural power of "Kami" are the same as our prayers today. Please enjoy Ise Jingu Shrine while feeling the awe of the sanctuary. Please don't forget to visit Geku first and then Naiku.

Recommendations to visit

Ise Jingu Shrine

• Access from Nagoya: 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kintetsu Nagoya Station, then get off at "Iseshi Station (伊勢市)". A 5-minute walk to Geku. Take a 10-minute bus #51 or #55 to Naiku.
• Access from Kyoto: 2 hours and 10 minutes from Kintetsu Kyoto Station, then get off at "Iseshi Station (伊勢市)". A 5-minute walk to Geku. Take a 10-minute bus #51 or #55 to Naiku.

Sengukan museum