Sacred Steps: What I've Learned from Nine Years of Visiting Ise Jingu Japan Travel

Every year for the past 9 years, I've been heading to Ise Jingu. You know what inspired me to finally write about it?

I saw this Red Bull video recently with a pro surfer who moved back to Japan, and he was washing his face at the temizuya (purification fountain). That's actually not the proper way at all! It really got me thinking about how many little details and traditions I've learned over the years.

Speaking of traditions - when you visit, the first thing you'll notice are the torii gates. These aren't just decorative - they mark the boundary between our physical world and the spiritual realm. That's why you always bow before passing through and when leaving. Pretty meaningful when you think about it, right? And make sure to walk slightly to the side - the center path is reserved for the kami (deities).

This year, something really interesting happened. We learned that they'll be moving the kami to new shrine buildings in 8 years. Funny thing is, we've passed by this museum near the resting area countless times, but never went in until this visit. Inside, they have these amazing displays showing exactly how they move the kami - it felt kind of meant to be that we finally discovered it right after learning about the upcoming ceremony.

The whole ritual is incredible - they've been rebuilding these shrines every 20 years since ancient times, and get this - they haven't missed a single time, not even during war or natural disasters. They bring food offerings to the kami multiple times every day, rain or shine. They even grow specific trees in the nearby mountains just for future rebuildings.

Let me tell you about the proper rituals we follow. At the temizuya, there's this specific way to purify yourself - first left hand, then right, a small sip of water (never wash your face!), and let the rest run down the ladle's handle. It's these little details that make each visit meaningful.

When we make offerings, we usually toss in a 5 yen coin - it's called "go-en" and represents spiritual connections - plus a 500 yen coin. Then comes the ritual: two bows, two claps, express your gratitude, and one final bow. Here's something important though - at Naiku and Geku, you're there to say thank you, not to ask for things. That's why we also visit Sarutahiko Shrine for business blessings.

Speaking of Sarutahiko, here's a practical tip - always have the taxi wait when you go there. It's only about a 10-minute ride from Ise Jingu, but cabs are hard to find in that area. And while you're at Ise, you absolutely have to try Akafuku Zenzai - this amazing sweet red bean soup with mochi that's been part of the pilgrimage tradition since 1707.

Last time we got a guide, and wow - I learned so much more than in all my previous visits combined!

So what makes each shrine special? Naiku enshrines Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess. It's one of Japan's most sacred sites - imagine, people have been coming here to give thanks for over 2000 years!

Then there's Geku, dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami, the food goddess. Did you know some of the rice used in imperial ceremonies is grown right here? The connection between these two shrines is beautiful - Toyouke provides sacred food for Amaterasu.

Sarutahiko Shrine has a different energy altogether. It honors Sarutahiko-no-Okami, who guided other kami from heaven. Maybe that's why it feels right to ask for guidance with business there!

You know, I still remember fumbling with the purification ritual my first time. Now it feels like second nature. It's amazing how many layers of meaning and tradition you discover each visit. Just when you think you know everything about Ise Jingu, you stumble upon something new - like that museum with the rebuilding ceremony models!