"Someday I'd like to visit Ise Jingu" — many people feel this way while sensing the shrine is somehow far off. Here are the basics of getting there and getting around, for your first Ise pilgrimage.

How to get there

The Geku is a few minutes' walk from Iseshi Station on the Kintetsu and JR lines. The Naiku is somewhat farther from the station, so most visitors take a local bus from the Geku or elsewhere. From Nagoya, the Kintetsu limited express takes about 1 hour 20 minutes; from the Osaka area, about 2 hours. From Tokyo, the usual route is the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then a transfer to Kintetsu. Travel times and fares can change, so check the latest information from each railway before you go.

The classic model course

Following the old custom, the recommended order is: Geku → Naiku → Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho. First pay your respects to Toyouke no Omikami at the Geku, then take the bus to the Naiku to worship Amaterasu Omikami. Afterward, enjoy lunch and strolling in Oharai-machi at the shrine's gate. It is a comfortable route to savor over half a day to a full day.

Early-morning worship, too

Jingu opens its gates at 5 a.m. (closing times vary by season). In the quiet of morning, the sacred grounds are wrapped in a crisp air entirely different from the daytime. Our own Tsuitachi-mairi at Tokiwakai treasures these early-morning hours. In busy periods such as New Year, hours and transport may change, so checking official information is recommended.

Don't overthink it — simply come and visit once. Standing in the forests of Ise, you are sure to feel their purity with your whole body.