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The grand shrines of Ise
Ise's famous Shinto shrines are rebuilt every 20 years.
The grand shrines of Ise are the most sacred site in Shintoism. In accordance with an ancient Shinto tradition the outer and inner shrines are rebuilt every 20 years. The most recent rebuild was completed in October 2013.
The shrines are special in their minimalist simplicity, a purely Japanese style that shows no influence from the Asian mainland. Instead a sombre peace prevails echoed by the green trees, simple stone and gravel. The shrines are about 2km apart each situated in a forest at the foot of a mountain.
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A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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Join the ranks of the junreisha, or pilgrims, as you explore Ise, Mount Koya and the ancient paths of the Kumano Kodo on this classic trip.
Pilgrim's Paths
This very special journey through Japan will take you from modern Tokyo to ancient Kyoto via a network of ancient pilgrimage paths known as the Kumano Kodo. Along the way you'll stay at a temple lodging on Koya-san and at various traditional ryokan inns.
Other Religion experiences
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Tatsue-ji temple stay
Temple number 19 of Shikoku's 88 temple circuit, Tatsue-ji offers overnight stays in simple shukubo lodgings.
Shingon Buddhism
“Understanding fully the true nature of your own mind is equal to understanding everything.” – From the Dainichi-kyo, Shingon Buddhist sutras.
Pilgrim's stay on Haguro-san
Make your own pilgrimage to sacred Mount Haguro and stay in Buddhist temple lodgings.
Temple luck: omikuji & ema
Test your luck at a temple by drawing an omikuji fortune slip.
Buddhist temple lodgings
Spend a night in shukubo temple lodgings; a fantastic way to understand the simple, traditional lifestyle of Japan's Buddhist monks.
Temple stamp book
For a beautiful memento, why not keep a shuuin stamp book to record each temple you have visited?
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