Tokiwakai
Tokiwa-kai
Nurturing the future from Ise, a spiritual hometown of Japan
June: Ise Jingu Tsuitachi-mōde & Phantom Mugiwara Te-mochi in Tokyo (5/11 kinds, R08)
Ise Jingu Tsuitachi (first-day) visit — Tsuitachi-mochi & Tsuitachi porridge
A greeting from Tokiwakai,
nurturing the future from Ise
Have you ever heard of the name "Ise Jingu"?
Located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is formally called simply "Jingu." It has long been loved as "O-Ise-san," a spiritual hometown that quietly supports people's hearts.
At the center of the shrine complex are Koutai Jingu (Naiku), enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, and Toyouke Daijingu (Geku), enshrining Toyouke Omikami. Together with 14 auxiliary shrines, 43 subordinate shrines, 24 branch shrines, and 42 affiliated shrines, there are 125 shrines in totalnestled in the forests of Ise.
All 125 are collectively called "Jingu."
Clear rivers, crisp air, and solemn prayers - this land gently aligns the hearts of those who visit.
What is Tokiwakai?
Tokiwakai is an organization that createsan entry point for young people to actually take part in carrying on Japanese culture, inspired by the 63rd Shikinen Sengu.
The Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu is a major milestone, held once every 20 years, in which Japan's prayers, craftsmanship, festivals, and community life are handed down to the next generation. Using this Sengu as a gateway, we create opportunities for young peoplenot merely to visit as tourists, but to learn, help, record, and carry onthe culture.
Our focus is not limited to Ise's culture. From natural-yeast bread to Miyako Odori and Furuichi, young people encounter, learn, help with, record, and pass on the authentic culture that has been handed down through Japan to the next era.
Our Mission
Take part in carrying it on — not just sightseeing.
Tokiwakai createsa pathway that lets young people step into the field of Japanese culture, learn by working with their own hands, and—once they care about it—go on to take part in person. Culture is passed on this way, handed from one person to the next.
We want to bea place where that first step can be taken. Using the Shikinen Sengu—a milestone that has continued for over a thousand years—as a gateway, each young person becomes a bearer of Japanese culture.
Creating that cycle is what Tokiwakai aspires to.
Our Activities
Special guidance, talks, and experiences at Ise Jingu
As a community with deep ties to Jingu, we offer special tours and talks that convey the profound spirit of the shrine.
Encounters with Ise's traditions, culture, and festivals
We learn with local communities and participate in authentic festivals and cultural experiences unique to Ise.
Camps and workshops in nature
In the rich nature of Ise - sea, mountains, and forests - we host programs that foster cooperation, challenge, and unity.
Multi-generational community building
We cultivate "service, friendship, responsibility, patience, and initiative" while supporting each other as one community.
The wish behind the name "Tokiwakai"
"Tokiwa"means"unchanging and unwavering."
The name comes from the phrase "Tokiwa ni Kakiwa ni" in Shinto prayers.
May those who learned together in Ise remain united in heart,
bound by ties that last through changing paths.
With this strong and gentle wish, the name was given by Mr. Satoru Otowa, Jingu Office (Public Relations Deputy Director).
On our launch
Tokiwakai began as a new place to nurture the future of younger generations and families, grounded in the land of Ise and the pure prayers of Jingu.
We warmly invite you to join this circle and cultivate Japan's "heart" and "future" together.
Annual Festivals & Events (Planned)
Featured Events
Tokiwakai “Manabu honmono” on Peatix
Tokyo Tsuitachi gatherings, Ise programs, and the latest sign-ups.
June: Ise Jingu Tsuitachi-mōde & mugiwara te-mochi in Tokyo (5/11 kinds, R08)
Monthly-style gathering in Tokyo. Tickets on Peatix.
Okihiki toward the Shikinen Sengu (Reiwa)
Recruitment and schedules follow the Peatix listing.
Ise Jingu Tsuitachi visit — Tsuitachi-mochi & Tsuitachi porridge
Ise-based Tsuitachi program. Sign up on Peatix.
Tsuitachi Gathering
Real Ise
Real Ise
Ise Tour
Okihiki
Tsuitachi Gathering (Tokyo)
Summer Solstice Festival
Okihiki
Ise Tour
Ise Tsuitachi Visit
News
Records of Tokiwakai activities and stories about Ise Jingu
Festival Season Arrives in Ise｜Dedication Fireworks on July 18, Kawabiki from July 25
The 74th Ise Jingu Dedication National Fireworks Competition lights up the Miyagawa riverside on Saturday, July 18. Then, from Saturday, July 25, the Kawabiki — the river-hauling of sacred timber toward the once-in-20-years Shrine renewal — begins on the Isuzu River. Here is a guide to two weeks of the Ise summer filled with fireworks and river-hauling.
Read moreNow Recruiting — Tsuitachi-mairi & Kawabiki, Two Summer Days in Ise｜August 1–2, 2026
Tokiwakai will take part in the Kawabiki — the river-hauling of sacred timber for the once-in-20-years Shrine renewal — through the cooperation of the Furuichi hauling group. We are recruiting companions (13–15 people) for two summer days in Ise, from the Hassaku-sangu on Saturday, August 1, to the Kawabiki on Sunday, August 2. The next chance is about 20 years away — a rare experience of hauling the rope as a bearer of the tradition.
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July Tsuitachi-kai: With "Sasa Warabi-mochi," a Taste of Tanabata Coolness
On July 2, 2026, we held our "July Tsuitachi-mochi Gathering" at Nishi-Kanda Cosmos Hall in Chiyoda, Tokyo. July's tsuitachi-mochi is "sasa warabi-mochi" — bracken-starch mochi wrapped in bamboo leaves for a cool summer taste. Over the sweet, we shared stories of Ise Jingu, June's Futami Geshi-sai, and news from Kyoto's Gion, spending an hour in the spirit of Tanabata.
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