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.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
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:
-
Follow in the footsteps of Japanese royalty as you tread the pilgrimage paths of the Kumano Kodo, with superior accommodation and cuisine included.
Pilgrim's Paths
Our Pilgrim's Paths itinerary showcases a selection of the stunning natural environments navigated by the Kumano Kodo network of pilgrimage routes, juxtaposing unspoilt nature with two of Japan's most iconic cities.
Other Religion experiences
View more >Temple stamp book
For a beautiful memento, why not keep a shuuin stamp book to record each temple you have visited?
Tatsue-ji temple stay
Temple number 19 of Shikoku's 88 temple circuit, Tatsue-ji offers overnight stays in simple shukubo lodgings.
Buddhist temple lodgings
Spend a night in shukubo temple lodgings; a fantastic way to understand the simple, traditional lifestyle of Japan's Buddhist monks.

Shingon Buddhism
“Understanding fully the true nature of your own mind is equal to understanding everything.” – From the Dainichi-kyo, Shingon Buddhist sutras.

Temple luck: omikuji & ema
Test your luck at a temple by drawing an omikuji fortune slip.

Pilgrim's stay on Haguro-san
Make your own pilgrimage to sacred Mount Haguro and stay in Buddhist temple lodgings.