Overview

Cleanse your body and soul in the ancient rituals of purification at Futamigaura before visiting the sacred Ise Jingu shrines, the most venerated sanctuary of Shinto!

Highlights

• Experience soul purification by entering the sea at early morning near Futamigaura
• Embark on the traditional pilgrimage to Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, the Ise Jingu
• Enjoy a stay in a ryokan with hot springs
• Explore the attractive shopping streets of Oharaimachi

Description

This is a tour which will give you the chance to experience the traditional pilgrimage to the holy Ise Jingu shrines in Mie prefecture - the most venerated sanctuary of Shinto. You will have the opportunity to participate in ancient rituals and purification ceremonies before visiting the shrines and praying for good luck. Finally, you will be able to stroll the shopping streets of Oharaimachi, the busy district in front of Naiku (Kotaijingu, the Inner Shrine), and eat a lunch with a religious symbolism.

Below is the itinerary of this tour:

Day 1:
Early evening: Arrive at Futamigaura (Futaminoura Station) and check in a traditional-style ryokan inn with a hot spring. Have dinner and go to bed early because the activities on the next morning start from sunrise.
Note: Transportation to Futaminoura Station is not included.

Day 2:
Sunrise time - Take part in the traditional body and soul purification ceremony "Misogi" that is part of the Shinto rituals before visiting the sacred Ise Jingu. You will bathe in the ocean near Futami Okitama Shrine with the first rays of the rising sun and cleanse your mind and heart from all earthly sins.
IMPORTANT! The "Misogi" ceremony is conducted only on the morning following the 3rd Saturday of the month (excluding December to March). On all other days you will sit the indoor purification ritual "Muku-Shiobarai" where a Shinto priest will wave a special stick with dried green algae over you. This ritual starts around 10:00 am.
Before you leave Futamigaura, take a look at the sacred "Meoto Iwa" rocks known as the "wedded rocks" because they are connected by the Shinto shimenawa straw rope.
Before noon - Take the local bus together with your guide and go first to Geku (Toyoue-Daijingu, the Ise Outer Shrine), then to Naiku (Kotaijingu, the Ise Inner Shrine). The legendary Ise Jingu shrines have been a final destinations for thousands of pilgrims during the Edo period, and it is still believed that every person should visit Ise at least once in their life.
Afternoon - Stroll the Oharaimachi street in front of Naiku and have lunch with local delicacies (seafood or Ise udon noodles). The meal eaten after a visit to the shrines is called "Naorai" and also has a special religious significance. Buy souvenirs such as the traditional Ise sweets with red bean paste "Akafuku" and leave by bus for Uji-Yamada Station where the tour ends.

Note: Please note that the Shinto rituals have a genuine religious value and are not a touristic attraction. You are expected to participate in the ceremonies in an earnest way with a sincere heart. Your guide will explain more about the correct conduct during the rituals.

Meeting Point

Your guide will pick you up in the morning of Day 2 from your inn located in Futamigaura