Dating back to the 3rd century, Ise-jingū is Japan's most venerated Shintō shrine. It’s in two parts: Gekū (外宮; Outer Shrine) and the more impressive Naikū (内宮; Inner Shrine), several kilometres away. According to tradition, shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years, with exact imitations on adjacent sites according to ancient techniques – no nails, only wooden dowels and interlocking joints. The present buildings were rebuilt in 2013.
Upon completion of the new buildings, the god of the shrine is ritually transferred to its new home in the Sengū No Gi ceremony, first witnessed by Western eyes in 1953. The wood from the old shrine is then used to reconstruct the torii at the shrine's entrance or sent to shrines around Japan for use in rebuilding their structures.
The buildings are stunning examples of pre-Buddhist Japanese architecture, but you may be surprised to discover that the main shrine buildings are almost completely hidden from view behind wooden fences. Only members of the imperial family and certain shrine priests are allowed to enter the inner sanctum. Don't despair, though, as determined neck craning over fences allows glimpses of the upper parts of buildings (at least if you're tall). You can get a good idea of the shrine's architecture at the new Sengūkan museum or at lesser shrines nearby, which are smaller scale replicas.
Gekū an easy 10-minute walk from Ise-shi Station; Naikū is accessible by bus from the station or from the stop outside Gekū.
Smoking is prohibited throughout the grounds of both shrines, and photography is forbidden around their main halls. Many Japanese dress fairly neatly to visit the shrines. You might feel distinctly out of place in anything too casual but you don't have to dress formally - you can even wear shorts, but opt on the side of neatness.
