The Silent Majesty of Ise Shrine

I visited Ise Shrine recently. It reigns supreme among more than 80,000 shrines as the unquestionable religious center of Japan.

It is recorded that there was a grand pilgrimage boom that occurred every 60 years since the 17th century, attracting one-sixth of the population, but there is no longer such fervor.

If you avoid peak seasons like autumn foliage, the number of visitors is significantly lower compared to the bustling cities like Kyoto, and you can leisurely explore.

In 2016, Amanemu opened near the nearby Shima Peninsula, but foreign tourists are still relatively scarce.

In fact, I don't think it can be an entertaining trip without sufficient prior learning.

Since its creation as a place to worship the sun goddess since the spread of agricultural culture in ancient times, it has inherited primitive architecture. The lack of decorative buildings lacks the impact to entertain travelers.

There are hardly any typical tourist signs on-site, and even the nearest station area is quiet. It is a place that every Japanese person aspires to visit, yet it feels emptier than anywhere else.

Therefore, for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Japanese culture, it will be the best destination.

While Buddhism, rooted in Japan, originated in India and was transmitted through China, Shinto is an ethnic religion unique to this country, which makes its regional characteristics even more pronounced.

If you are considering visiting as a tourist, I recommend paying special attention to it from the perspective of spatial design.

For example, the characteristics of spatial recognition that divide the sacred and the secular through icons like Torii gates and bridges spanning rivers without shelter, or the psychological effects of the long journey to the main hall while walking on gravel, under the dappled sunlight in the forest, making footsteps echo.

The awe-inspiring aura created by the space of "enclosure" and "emptiness."

The non-material dependence that led to the acceptance of Zen culture from China, which later came, as they rebuild the shrine every 20 years with the same form.

This country's unique spirituality and emptiness, which have developed from the starting point of nature worship with no founder or scripture, should be experienced.

As a side note, this area is also the home of Matsusaka beef.

If you ever visit, don't forget to savor the exquisite sukiyaki.