Ise

Ise is a city in Mie Prefecture, Japan, located on the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula along Ise Bay. It is part of the Ise-Shima region and is best known for its association with the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most important religious sites.

The Ise Grand Shrine, or Jingu, comprises two main shrines dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess: Naiku (the Inner Shrine) and Geku (the Outer Shrine). The precincts, which attract millions of visitors each year, are renowned for their traditional Shinto architecture and ritual practices. A distinctive aspect of the shrine is the Shikinen Sengu tradition, through which the main sanctuaries are rebuilt at roughly 20-year intervals to preserve continuity and purity.

The shrine’s enduring prominence has made the Ise area a major destination for pilgrimage, tourism, and cultural study. In addition to the sacred sites, the region preserves traditional crafts and a regional cuisine that features seafood from Ise Bay, contributing to the local economy and cultural identity.

Historically, Ise was part of Ise Province before the modern prefectural system was established, and the shrine’s prominence has shaped the development and image of the region. Today, Ise remains closely associated with its sacred landscape, drawing visitors from across Japan and abroad.