Ise Jingu
Visiting Ise Jingu, the most sacred shrine in Japan, is already a powerful cultural experience. Through our carefully arranged tour, we offer the opportunity to go beyond a simple visit by participating in traditional Shinto rituals such as Seishiki Sanpai (formal worship) and witnessing Kagura, a sacred ceremonial dance. This unique experience allows you to discover the spiritual heart of Japan in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Day trip to Ise
After meeting the group at Shin-Osaka Station, depart by bus for Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Japan. During the journey, enjoy explanations about the shrine’s history, its spiritual significance, and its important role in Japanese culture, offering a deeper understanding of this exceptional destination.
The journey includes a stop at Kusatsu Parking Area, a service area along the route to Ise. During this short break, participants receive delicious bento boxes to enjoy for lunch. Served directly on the bus, the meal offers a convenient and authentic travel experience, with a variety of beautifully arranged dishes.
The next stop is the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, known as Geku. Surrounded by towering trees, the shrine grounds create a peaceful and sacred atmosphere, marking the beginning of the spiritual part of the visit. Here, participants have the rare opportunity to experience Seishiki Sanpai, a formal Shinto worship ceremony.
The journey then continues to the Inner Shrine (Naiku), dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and ancestral deity of the Imperial family.
Before the second formal worship ceremony, participants have the rare opportunity to witness Kagura, a sacred Shinto dance performed as an offering to the deities, accompanied by traditional music and refined movements.
Afterward, there is time to explore the area around the shrine. Visitors can stroll through Okage Yokocho, a charming street lined with traditional buildings or enjoy local specialties such as zenzai.
On the way back, the tour includes a stop at Tsuchiyama Service Area. Like many service areas in Japan, it offers a wide selection of souvenirs and regional specialties. This makes it a convenient place to pick up local products and gifts before continuing your journey.
The tour returns to Shin-Osaka around 19:30, concluding a full day of discovery. This unique experience ends. The participants had the rare opportunity to witness sacred rituals, walk through the forests of Ise Grand Shrine, and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s spiritual traditions beyond a typical visit.
Visiting Ise Grand Shrine is already a powerful experience, but participating in formal ceremonies such as Seishiki Sanpai and witnessing a Kagura performance offers a much deeper insight into Shinto traditions and Japanese culture.
These rare experiences are not easily arranged, but through our trusted relationships with shrines we are able to organize them with the utmost respect for their spiritual significance.
If you would like to discover this unique side of Japan, feel free to contact us. You can also read our detailed article about the experience to learn more about what this special tour is like.