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The grand shrines of Ise
Ise's famous Shinto shrines are rebuilt every 20 years.
The grand shrines of Ise are the most sacred site in Shintoism. In accordance with an ancient Shinto tradition the outer and inner shrines are rebuilt every 20 years. The most recent rebuild was completed in October 2013.
The shrines are special in their minimalist simplicity, a purely Japanese style that shows no influence from the Asian mainland. Instead a sombre peace prevails echoed by the green trees, simple stone and gravel. The shrines are about 2km apart each situated in a forest at the foot of a mountain.
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Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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Join the ranks of the junreisha, or pilgrims, as you explore Ise, Mount Koya and the ancient paths of the Kumano Kodo on this classic trip.
Pilgrim's Paths
This very special journey through Japan will take you from modern Tokyo to ancient Kyoto via a network of ancient pilgrimage paths known as the Kumano Kodo. Along the way you'll stay at a temple lodging on Koya-san and at various traditional ryokan inns.
Other Religion experiences
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Temple stamp book
For a beautiful memento, why not keep a shuuin stamp book to record each temple you have visited?
Shingon Buddhism
“Understanding fully the true nature of your own mind is equal to understanding everything.” – From the Dainichi-kyo, Shingon Buddhist sutras.
Buddhist temple lodgings
Spend a night in shukubo temple lodgings; a fantastic way to understand the simple, traditional lifestyle of Japan's Buddhist monks.
Tatsue-ji temple stay
Temple number 19 of Shikoku's 88 temple circuit, Tatsue-ji offers overnight stays in simple shukubo lodgings.
Zazen meditation
An inspiring introduction to meditation with a Zen priest in a tranquil temple setting.
Pilgrim's stay on Haguro-san
Make your own pilgrimage to sacred Mount Haguro and stay in Buddhist temple lodgings.
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