20 Shrines in Mie worth your time

An ancient Yokkaichi shrine featuring buildings made from Ise Grand Shrine materials and a UNESCO-recognized whale boat festival.

What it is

• An ancient shrine in Yokkaichi City listed in the historical Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• Dedicated to the primary deities Yamato Takeru and Kotoshironushi.
• Buildings are constructed using recycled materials sourced from the Ise Grand Shrine.
• Designated as a prefectural shrine in the year 1942.

What to see

• Two votive model ships dating back to the Edo period are housed on the grounds.
• The Whale Boat Festival which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Traditional architecture built from sacred timber relocated from the Ise Grand Shrine.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place every year on August 14 and 15.
• A specific fire extinguishing festival is held on August 14.
• August 14 and 15 to witness the national important intangible cultural whale boat events.

Getting there

• An eight minute walk from the Kintetsu Tomida Station.
• An eight minute walk from the JR Tomida Station.

Official site

toridejinja.org

Read more about Toride Shrine

A historic Mie Prefecture shrine built with recycled materials from Ise Grand Shrine, featuring traditional Shinmei-zukuri architecture and peaceful grounds.

What it is

• A historic shrine in Taki Town dedicated to Ametajikarao-no-mikoto and Aketatsu-no-o-no-mikoto.
• Listed in the Heian-period Engishiki Jinmeicho records of significant Japanese shrines.
• Formerly known by the names Omori-sha or Naka-no-miya.
• Promoted to the status of a prefectural shrine in 1943.

What to see

• Main hall built in the Shinmei-zukuri style using materials from Ise Grand Shrine.
• Expansive shrine grounds covering approximately 11,355 square meters.
• A subsidiary shrine called Wadama Shrine located within the grounds.
• Structures recently updated during a major reconstruction and relocation ceremony in 2015.

When to go

• The annual shrine festival is held every year on October 8th.

Getting there

• The shrine is a ten-minute walk from JR Sana Station.

Read more about Sana Shrine

A historic subsidiary shrine of Kotai Jingu dedicated to agricultural deities, featuring traditional architecture on the slopes of Mount Dainichi.

What it is

• A subsidiary shrine of Kotai Jingu located on the mountainside of Mount Dainichi
• Dedicated to Ishikorowake-no-mikoto and Mimae-no-kami, the gods of agriculture and irrigation
• Founded during the reign of Princess Yamato-hime and reconstructed in 1663
• The site spans a large area of over fifteen thousand square meters

What to see

• The main shrine building constructed in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri architectural style
• A sacred stone which serves as the primary object of worship
• Expansive grounds set against the natural landscape of the mountain

When to go

• Visit on March 16th to witness the ritual known as Miyata-mori

Getting there

• The shrine is a fifty-minute walk from Tamaru Station

Read more about Kamo Shrine (Tamaki)

Ise Jingu is Japan's most important Shinto shrine complex, rebuilt every 20 years to preserve ancient techniques.

What it is

• Most important Shinto shrine complex in Japan.
• Composed of 125 shrines, centered on Naiku and Geku.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami (sun deity) and Toyo’uke-no-Omikami (deities of food, clothing, shelter).
• Established approximately 2,000 years ago by Princess Yamatohime-no-Mikoto.

What to see

• Naiku and Geku shrines, rebuilt every twenty years.
• Ujibashi Bridge, rebuilt with Hinoki cypress and Japanese zelkova.
• Large torii gate, constructed from reclaimed cypress.
• Shrines constructed using new cypress wood.
• Isuzugawa River, running through the forests.

When to go

• Kanname-sai ceremony, when first rice is offered to deities.
• Every twenty years for Shikinen Sengu, the rebuilding ritual (last in 2013).

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Ise Jingū

One of Ise's two main sanctuaries, this shrine honors the deity of daily necessities and is the traditional first stop.

What it is

• One of the two main sanctuaries of the Ise Grand Shrine, commonly called Geku
• Dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the guardian of food, clothing, and housing
• Established during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku as a primary spiritual site
• Custom dictates visiting this outer shrine before traveling to the inner shrine, Naiku

What to see

• The main sanctuary featuring three buildings enclosed by four layers of fences
• The Sengu-kan Museum located directly on the shrine grounds
• Two sacred horses donated to the shrine by the Imperial Family
• Sacred meals offered to the deities during ceremonies held twice every day

Getting there

• The shrine is a five-minute walk from Ise-shi Station

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Toyōke Daijingū

Visit this ancient Ise Grand Shrine Betsugu to see unique architecture and a vast, sacred forest.

What it is

• A Betsugu, or auxiliary shrine, of Ise Grand Shrine's Naiku.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami no Mitama, a revered deity.
• Paired with Takihara-narabi-no-miya, another Betsugu.
• Shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years.

What to see

• Shinmei-zukuri style shrine buildings with unique features.
• Inner-cut chigi and six katsuogi on the shrine roofs.
• Wakamiya Shrine has a Mifunagura, a rare architectural element.
• Explore the vast 44-hectare sacred area.
• Three subordinate shrines: Wakamiya, Nagayuke, and Kawashima.

Getting there

• 1.5 km walk from JR Kisei Main Line Takihara Station.
• Large parking lot available at Roadside Station Okuse Kitsutsukikan.

Address

三重県度会郡大紀町滝原872 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Takihara-no-miya

Visit this unique Ise Grand Shrine in Toba City, especially for its summer festival.

What it is

• A subsidiary shrine of Ise Grand Shrine's Geku.
• The only Ise Grand Shrine in Toba City.
• Dedicated to Arasakihime-no-mikoto.
• Guardian deity for collecting offerings for Geku.

What to see

• A torii gate and stone steps.
• Main hall with a bark roof.
• Shrine building in Shinmei-zukuri style.
• Located on a hillside near the Kamo River mouth.

When to go

• Akasaki Festival is held annually on June 22nd.
• Festival is known as a yukata festival.
• Over 100 street stalls line the road during the festival.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Shima-Akasaki Station.
• On the Kintetsu Shima Line.
• Located along National Route 167.

Address

三重県鳥羽市鳥羽四丁目 Map

Read more about Akasaki Shrine

Izawa-no-miya is a unique subsidiary shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, known for its sacred rice field.

What it is

• A subsidiary shrine of Ise Grand Shrine Naiku.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, also called "Tōnomiya."
• The only subsidiary shrine outside Ise Province.
• The only subsidiary shrine with a sacred rice field.

What to see

• Main sanctuary built in Shinmei-zukuri style.
• Main sanctuary has a thatched roof.
• Saminaga Shrine is an auxiliary shrine.
• Mikōmichi is a sacred path to Saminaga Shrine.

When to go

• On-taue-sai (rice planting festival) is on June 24th.
• On-taue-sai is a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Shima Line Kaminogō Station.

Address

三重県志摩市磯部町上之郷374 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Izawa-no-miya

Sugawara Shrine is a historic site in Iga City, dedicated to literature and local protection.

What it is

• Also known as Ueno Tenjingu.
• Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.
• Revered as guardian of Ueno Town's 6,000 households.
• Also revered as ancestral deity of literature.

What to see

• Romon gate is a Mie Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property.
• Shoro bell tower is a Mie Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property.
• 'Kai Oi Honou no Yashiro' is an Iga City Designated Historic Site.
• New main hall was completed in September 2012.

When to go

• Ueno Tenjin Festival is held annually from October 23rd to 25th.
• Festival is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Official site

www.sugawara25.jp

Read more about Sugawara Shrine

Saminaga Shrine is an ancient, unusual Ise Jingu shrine worth visiting for its unique architecture.

What it is

• A subordinate shrine of Izawa-no-miya.
• Dedicated to the deity Ootoshi-no-kami.
• Unusual for an Ise Jingu shrine, it faces east.
• Artifacts from Jomon to Kofun periods were excavated here.

What to see

• Shrine building in Shinmei-zukuri style with a thatched roof.
• Building has a balustrade and stairs.
• It is surrounded by a fence.
• A donation box, unusual for subordinate Ise Jingu shrines.
• Stone steps from the torii to the main hall: 36 steps.
• Located on a hill about 10m high.

Getting there

• 16-minute walk from Kintetsu Shima Line Shima-Isobe Station.

Address

三重県志摩市磯部町恵利原1273 Map

Read more about Saminaga Shrine

An ancient shrine in Suzuka City housing twenty-four deities and linked to the historic imperial granaries of Ise Province.

What it is

• A candidate for the Ise Province Sosha listed in the ancient Engishiki Jinmeicho records.
• A village shrine dedicated to twenty-four deities including Kunitokotachi-no-Mikoto and Oanamuchi-no-Mikoto.
• The name likely originates from ancient imperial granaries known as Miyake.
• Formerly called Sosha Daimyojin until the name was officially changed during the Meiji era.

What to see

• Archaeological remains related to the former provincial capital found in the immediate vicinity.
• Deities from the merged E Shrine including Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto now enshrined at this location.

Read more about Miyake Shrine

Shiawasenomiya is a shrine dedicated to the Earth Mother Goddess, featuring a unique Jomon period stone rod.

What it is

• A shrine in Taki-cho, Mie Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the Earth Mother Goddess.
• Founded on April 1, 1963.
• Named by the monk Jikai Kobayashi.

What to see

• The divine object is a Jomon period stone rod.
• The stone rod is 29 cm long and 14 cm wide.
• The stone rod was excavated from the Myra ruins.
• A main hall at the back of the grounds.
• A dance hall and a shrine office.

When to go

• Spring Grand Festival is on the first Sunday of April.
• Autumn Grand Festival is on November 3rd.

Getting there

• Grounds are along the JR Sangu Line.

Address

三重県多気郡多気町土羽[1] Map

Read more about Shiawasenomiya

Sarutahiko Shrine offers unique architecture and a rich history near Ise Grand Shrine.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami and Ota no Mikoto.
• Established in the Meiji era.
• Known for guidance, traffic safety, and warding off evil.
• Became a Beppyo Jinja after World War II.

What to see

• Main hall is unique Tsumairi-zukuri style, Sadahiko-zukuri.
• Railings and torii gates use octagonal pillars.
• Sarume Shrine, dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, is on grounds.

When to go

• Ota-sai festival on May 5th.
• Festival includes offering flying fish as sacred food.

Getting there

• Near Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine.

Address

三重県伊勢市宇治浦田2-1-10 Map

Official site

www.sarutahikojinja.or.jp

Read more about Sarutahiko Shrine

This ancient shrine, dedicated to the moon god, is a peaceful extension of the Grand Shrine.

What it is

• A detached palace of Ise Grand Shrine Toyouke-daijingu (Geku).
• Dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto, younger brother of Amaterasu-Omikami.
• Promoted to a detached palace in 1210.

What to see

• Two deities enshrined in the same building.
• Shrine building in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri style.

When to go

• Shrine conducts festivals similar to the Grand Shrine.
• The 62nd Shikinen Sengu took place in 2014-2015.

Getting there

• About 500m west of Ise City Station.
• About a 10-minute walk from Ise City Station.

Address

三重県伊勢市宮後一丁目3-19 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Tsukiyomi-no-miya

Takihara Shrine is an Ise Grand Shrine sub-shrine with unique features worth a short visit.

What it is

• A sessha (auxiliary shrine) of Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine.
• Dedicated to the deity Manago-no-kami.
• Re-established in 1663 by Omiya-guji Kawabe Seicho.
• Rebuilt in October 1904.

What to see

• Shinmei-zukuri style building with a thatched roof.
• Unusual saisenbako (offering box) for an Ise Jingu sessha.
• Shrine grounds cover approximately 5,890.9 square meters.
• Located along the Miyagawa River.

Getting there

• 3.6 km from JR Kisei Main Line Misetani Station.
• About a 4-minute drive from Kisei Expressway Ōmiya Ōdai IC.

Address

三重県度会郡大紀町三瀬川字久保海道94 Map

Read more about Takihara Shrine

Kōtai Jingū, or Naiku, is a major shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess, featuring unique sacred animals.

What it is

• One of two main shrines of Ise Grand Shrine.
• Commonly called Naiku.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Sun Goddess.

What to see

• The sacred Yata Mirror.
• Sub-shrines Aramatsuri-no-miya and Kazahinomi-no-miya.
• Buildings surrounded by four fences.
• Free-roaming sacred chickens.
• Two sacred horses donated by the Imperial Family.

When to go

• Sacred horses visit the main shrine on the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Isuzugawa Station on the Kintetsu Toba Line.

Address

三重県伊勢市宇治館町 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Kōtai Jingū

Ancient shrine without a main hall, dedicated to creation deities, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Izanami-no-mikoto and Kagutsuchi-no-mikoto.
• It has no main hall.
• Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.
• Its location is a national historic site.

What to see

• A 45-meter-high rock face serves as the deity's body.
• The shrine's old printing blocks.
• The shrine's sacred cauldron.
• The shrine's forest.

When to go

• Onawa-kake Shinji festival is on February 2nd.
• Onawa-kake Shinji festival is on October 2nd.

Getting there

• 5-minute bus ride from Kumano-shi Station.

Address

三重県熊野市有馬町上地130番地 Map

Official site

hananoiwaya.com

Read more about Hananoiwaya Shrine

Aramatsuri-no-miya is a significant Betsugu shrine at Ise Jingu, dedicated to a powerful deity.

What it is

• A Betsugu of Naiku in Ise City, Mie Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Sumemima no Aramitama.
• Founded in October of Emperor Suinin's 26th year.
• First among Naiku's ten Betsugu shrines.

What to see

• Shrine building is larger than other Betsugu.
• The deity's body is a mirror.
• Imperial envoys visit after the Shogu.
• Shrine building faces south.

When to go

• Kamimiso-sai is held annually in May.
• Kamimiso-sai is held annually in October.

Getting there

• Closest train station is Isuzugawa Station.

Address

三重県伊勢市宇治館町 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Aramatsuri-no-miya

Tsuchi-no-miya is an ancient detached palace of Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to a local earth deity.

What it is

• Detached palace of Ise Grand Shrine Toyouke-daijingu.
• Dedicated to the deity Otsuchi-no-mioya-no-kami.
• First recorded in 997 Chotoku Kenroku.
• Promoted to a detached palace in 1128.

What to see

• Shrine building with a thatched roof.
• Building faces east in Shinmei-zukuri style.
• A torii gate marks the entrance.
• Located at the foot of Hinokioyama mountain.

When to go

• Sengyo-no-gi ceremony was held on January 28, 2015.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Ise-shi Station on the JR Sangu Line.

Address

三重県伊勢市豊川町 Map

Official site

www.isejingu.or.jp

Read more about Tsuchi-no-miya

A small, ancient shrine within Ise Grand Shrine dedicated to the Isuzu River's water god.

What it is

• A subordinate shrine of Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine.
• Dedicated to Takimatsuri-no-Okami, the water god of the Isuzu River.
• First of 30 subordinate shrines of the Inner Shrine.
• Mentioned as "Takimatsuri Shrine" in the ancient Enryaku Gishikicho.

What to see

• No main building.
• Located at the confluence of the Isuzu and Shimaji rivers.

When to go

• Holds the Yuki-no-Omike ceremony.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Ise-shi Station or Ujiyamada Station.
• A short walk from Uji Bridge.

Address

三重県伊勢市宇治館町1 内宮宮域内 Map

Read more about Takimatsurinokami