Ise Jingu

Ise Jingu is one of Japan's most ancient shrines. Its expansive precinct, covering 5,500 hectares, actually encompasses 125 shrines, at which Shinto deities are honored. In October 2013, there was a ceremonial transfer of deities between sanctuaries that happens once every 20 years. For centuries, a visit to Ise Jingu has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. More recently, it has gained a reputation as a "power spot". On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is Ise Jingu.