Shinto Learning Tour
- Culture
- History
- Religious
Overview
Journey to the heart of Japan’s Shinto culture.
On this tour, you'll explore the Outer and Inner Shrines of Ise Jingu (also known as Ise Grand Shrine), learn about the site's spiritual significance and fascinating rebuilding process. You'll also visit the Inner Shrine, Naiku and soak up the ambience of this 'power spot'.
For lunch, you will have time to wander around Okage Yokocho, a shopping street filled with a charming old-world atmosphere and lined with endless food options.
Itinerary
Meet at the Tourist Information Centre inside Nagoya Station (not the JR information Desk). Please be there 10 minutes before the starting time with your voucher. The guide will be waiting with a sign.
You will take the Kintetsu Line from Nagoya Station to Iseshi Station on the Kintetsu limited express train (reserved seat).
You'll start at Sengukan, a museum dedicated to Ise Jingu and the Shinto religion. Opening in 2012, this museum is a great place to learn about the monumental shrine rebuilding process. According to an ancient Shinto tradition, the Inner and Outer Shrine are both rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. Following the museum, you'll head to Ise Jingu's outer shrine, Geku, a place with 1,500 years of history and one of the two main shrines of Ise.
Geku houses the Shinto deity and guardian of food, housing and clothing called Toyouke Omikami and who provides the food for Amateratsu Omikami (the Sun Goddess).
As Ise Jingu is the site of many ceremonies throughout the year, there may be restrictions on visiting without prior notice. Thank you for understanding.
After visiting the Outer Shrine, you'll take the bus to the Inner Shrine.
Okage Yokocho is the perfect place to admire historic Ise-style structures, many of which are over 400 years old. You will find plenty of shops and restaurants to sample Ise specialities, like mochi coated with anko (rice cake covered in red bean paste), Ise Udon noodles, and Ise lobster croquettes. You're encouraged to explore and enjoy lunch independently.
After lunch, you will visit the inner shrine, Naiku, considered the holiest shrine in Japan. This place is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and boasts 2,000-plus years of history.
Depart from Isuzugawa Station by Kintetsu Limited express train (reserved seat) to Nagoya Station.
Arrive at Nagoya Station Tour ends upon arrival.
Important information
What is included
- English-speaking government-licenced interpreter
- Sengukan admission fee
- Transportation costs throughout the tour
- Seat reservations on the Kintetsu Limited Express train
What is not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Pick-up and drop-off service
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Experience Japan your way with our experts
We are part of JTB, the largest travel company in Japan and one of the biggest in the world, with over 100 years of experience. We are passionate about this wonderful country, having spent decades designing adventurous itineraries for our clients.
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