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Toyouke Daijingu: Ise Jingu's Outer Shrine

Discover Japan's sacred heritage at Ise Jingu Geku, a serene shrine offering cultural insights and tranquil surroundings in Ise.

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Toyouke Daijingu, also known as Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine), is a serene Shinto shrine in Ise dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the deity of food, housing, and clothing. Established over 1500 years ago, it's traditionally visited before the Inner Shrine (Naiku).

A brief summary to Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku, Outer Sanctuary)

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere and soft sunlight filtering through the trees.
  • Follow the traditional pilgrimage order by visiting Geku (Outer Shrine) before Naiku (Inner Shrine).
  • Take time to explore the auxiliary shrines within Geku, such as Kazenomiya, Tsuchinomiya and Taganomiya.
  • Check out the Sengukan Museum near the entrance to learn about the Shikinen Sengu rebuilding ritual.
  • Enjoy a stroll through the surrounding streets to experience local crafts and delicacies.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kintetsu or JR Iseshi Station, Toyouke Daijingu is approximately a 5-minute walk. Exit the station and follow the main street directly towards the shrine. The path is well-marked and passes through a shopping street. The Ise City Tourist Information Office is located in front of Geku Shrine. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station, transfer to a bus heading towards Toyouke Daijingu. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes. Disembark at the Toyouke Daijingu stop, which is a short walk to the shrine entrance. Alternatively, take the CAN Bus and disembark at Geku-mae. A one-day pass for the CAN bus and other local buses in the Ise and Toba area is available for ¥1,200. A single bus fare is approximately ¥440.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from both Kintetsu and JR Iseshi Stations. The taxi ride to Toyouke Daijingu takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The estimated fare is between ¥1,500 and ¥2,000, depending on traffic conditions. Taxi services also offer sightseeing tours around Ise-Shima.

  • Car

    If driving, head west on Route 42 from Ise and follow the signs for Toyouke Daijingu, which will direct you to Route 368. Take the exit for Toyokawacho and continue straight. Parking is available near the shrine, with fees of around ¥500 per hour. There are multiple parking lots around the shrine.

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Discover more about Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku, Outer Sanctuary)

Toyouke Daijingu, formally known as Ise Jingu Geku (Outer Sanctuary), is one of the two main shrines that comprise the sacred Ise Jingu complex. Dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the deity responsible for providing food to Amaterasu Omikami (enshrined in the Inner Shrine), Geku is revered as the guardian of food, clothing, shelter, and industry. Tradition dictates that pilgrims visit Geku before making their way to Naiku. Founded over 1500 years ago, Geku's architecture is remarkably free of influence from the Asian mainland. The main sanctuary, like Naiku, is rebuilt every 20 years in a ritual called Shikinen Sengu, with the next rebuilding scheduled for 2033. This tradition is key to maintaining the shrine's traditions and keeping the sacred space perpetually renewed. The shrine grounds feature gravel-covered walking paths that wind through a forest of tall, ancient trees, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals such as purification at the temizuya (water basin) or making offerings at the main hall. The main building is surrounded by multiple sets of fences, and visitors are not allowed beyond the outermost of them. Auxiliary shrines, including Kazenomiya (god of wind), Tsuchinomiya (god of land), and Taganomiya (the Aramitama of Toyouke Omikami), are also located within the grounds. Located a short walk from Iseshi Station, Geku is not just a spiritual haven but also a cultural hub. The surrounding area features old-style shops offering local crafts and delicacies, providing a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

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