4 hour private experience
Location: Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
A former shrine priestess at Ise Jingu, where she conducted spiritual services and performed as a mai-hime, as well as a past attendant to the Imperial family at their central Tokyo residences, Etsuna-san brings a unique perspective on Japan's divine practices and legacies. Join her for a glimpse into Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion.
What you’ll do
Tour the inner and outer shrines of Ise Jingu, one of Shintoism's most sacred locations. Discover the history and beliefs of the shrine itself, as well as Shintoism in general. Hear details from the perspective of a former Shinto priestess who resided for over 8 years in Ise Jingu, as well as served under the Imperial Household Agency, for rare insight into Japan's Shinto traditions.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:00 - 13:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 17:00)
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
What to wear
Business casual attire is recommended.
Please refrain from wearing shorts, sandals, or revealing clothing.
Access
2 hours by car from Nagoya Station
The Shinto Soul of Japan
According to Japanese legend, both those recorded in the nation's earliest texts and those carefully preserved in the histories and hearts of local shrines, the sun goddess Amaterasu not only spawned from Japan's original creator gods, but is also the divine ancestor of the imperial family, a role that has left her one of the country's most sacrosanct deities. Revered across Japan, she is enshrined now in the dense, sunlight-dappled forests of Ise. With an unbroken history spanning 1,500 years, over 1,500 rituals conducted on the premises yearly, and a constellation composed of 125 different shrines centered around the sacred inner shrine (Naiku), Ise Jingu is an area of both unimaginable spiritual and cultural heritage. Amaterasu, protected within the Naiku (Inner Shrine) of Ise, is visited by millions of Shinto pilgrims and shrine-goers each year, paying their respects to her and the host of other surronding deities. Pass through the towering torii gates and delve deeper into the shrouded beliefs of Shintoism, led by a former Ise shrine priestess. After years of serving both the Shinto gods and the Imperial family directly, her one-of-a-kind insight into the inner workings of Shintoism offers a unique immersion into the heart of Japan's most holy sanctuaries.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
