A Soul-Cleansing Journey: Ise Jingu, Futamiura, and a Once-in-Twenty-Years Encounter

In Japan, there is a saying: "Everyone should visit Ise Jingu at least once in their lifetime." Known as the spiritual homeland of the Japanese people, Ise Jingu is the center of all Shinto shrines. On this journey, we not only set foot on this sacred ground but also visited Futamiura, the traditional starting point for pilgrimage, and were fortunate enough to witness a solemn ceremony related to the "Shikinen Sengu," adding unparalleled depth and emotion to our trip. 【The Spiritual Homeland— Ise Jingu】 The journey began by passing through a massive wooden torii gate, simple yet powerful in its presence. Walking along the gravel path known as "Tama-sarashi," flanked by towering ancient trees that shielded us from the noise of the world, sunlight filtered through the leaves, and each step felt like a cleansing of the soul. The air was filled with the scent of cypress and the freshness of earth, naturally slowing our pace and calming our minds. Ise Jingu is divided into the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and the Outer Shrine (Geku). This time, we primarily visited the Inner Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. Its architectural style, known as "Shinmei-zukuri," is the oldest form of shrine architecture. Without ornate carvings or decorations, the natural wood tones and thatched roofs exude a sublime and simple beauty that harmonizes with nature. The most surprising and moving moment came when we unexpectedly encountered a solemn ceremony within the inner precincts of the shrine. Shinto priests, dressed in pure white or bright blue traditional attire, led a young boy clad in purple ceremonial robes as they slowly walked across the gravel. Their expressions were meticulous, and every movement was imbued with a sense of ritual. We later learned that this was related to Ise Jingu's most significant festival, held once every twenty years—the "Shikinen Sengu." This 1,300-year-old tradition involves transferring Amaterasu Omikami from the old main sanctuary to a newly constructed identical one on an adjacent site. It is not merely a reconstruction of the building but also a transmission of skills, culture, and faith. What we witnessed was likely just one part of this grand festival, but the profound sense of witnessing history being passed down left us feeling incredibly fortunate. 【The Bustling Edo Atmosphere—Yokochō and Okage Yokocho】 After paying our respects at the sacred Inner Shrine, we passed through the underground passage of "Naiku Okage Sando" and felt as though we had returned from the divine realm to the human world. Here lies the lively Edo-period-inspired "Yokochō" and "Okage Yokocho." The quaint streets are lined with various shops and restaurants, bustling with activity. We were drawn to the adorable lucky cats and other charms, especially a relaxed "Napping Cat" basking in the sun and a giant beckoning cat that brought a smile to our faces. A visit to Ise would not be complete without stopping by the century-old "Akafuku" shop. We sat in a teahouse by the Isuzu River, enjoying their signature "Akafuku Mochi" with hot tea. The delicate sweetness of the red bean paste wrapped around soft mochi, paired with the refreshing green tea, was the perfect balance. Gazing at the gentle stream and lush greenery across the river, all the fatigue of the journey melted away, leaving only a sense of contentment and leisure. 【The Bond Between Gods and Humans—Futamiura Meoto Iwa】 Before visiting Ise Jingu, many people first go to Futamiura's "Futami Okitama Shrine" for "Hama Sangu," a purification ritual. The most famous sight here is the "Meoto Iwa" (Married Couple Rocks), two large rocks in the sea connected by a massive sacred rope. The larger rock represents the male deity, and the smaller one represents the female deity, symbolizing marital harmony and good relationships. Standing steadfast in the blue sea, enduring the crashing waves, they remain closely bound. The heavy sacred rope, replaced several times a year, symbolizes the bond between gods, nature, and humans. Standing on the shore, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the sea breeze, we were filled with peace and reverence. Conclusion This journey to Ise was an experience that traversed the sacred and the mundane, the serene and the lively. From the solemn sanctity of Ise Jingu to the warm vibrancy of Okage Yokocho, and the vast majesty of Futamiura's coastline, every scene left an indelible mark on our hearts. The unexpected encounter with the "Shikinen Sengu" ceremony felt like a gift from the gods, allowing us a rare glimpse into the core and devotion of Japanese cultural heritage. This was not just a sightseeing trip but a pilgrimage that cleansed the soul and sought profound inspiration.