Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most prestigious shrines, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. I’ve actually visited it several times before. Whenever I walk along the forest-lined approach and gaze at the clear flow of the Isuzu River, it feels as if time has slowed down. Even the sound of footsteps on the tamajari – small, rounded stones – is so pleasant that it naturally calms my mind.

At Ise Jingu, an important event called “Shikinen Sengu” is held once every 20 years. During this event, the shrine buildings where the deities are enshrined are rebuilt, and the deities are moved into the new buildings. To put it simply, it is like building a new home for the gods and having them move into it. This is done to renew and preserve the divine power.

Building the shrine structures requires advanced woodworking skills and special knowledge. For this reason, continuing the Shikinen Sengu helps pass down craftsmen’s skills, traditions, and the meaning of the rituals to the next generation. I believe there is great value in the fact that this event has continued for more than 1,300 years.

Ise Jingu is also well known as a place for “expressing gratitude” rather than “making wishes”. It is less a place where you ask for your wishes to come true, and more a place where you notice the happiness you already have.

After visiting the shrine, I always make sure to go to Okage Yokocho. This street recreates an old townscape and has a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, where you can enjoy walking around, trying local foods, and shopping. This time, I was especially looking forward to trying “Akafuku-gori”, a famous summer-only sweet from Ise. Inside the fluffy shaved ice are Akafuku’s sweet red bean paste and mochi, which go perfectly with the refined sweetness of matcha syrup.
The Starbucks near Okage Yokocho is also very memorable. Unlike a typical Starbucks, this one has a warm wooden exterior that blends naturally into the surrounding townscape.

I think the reason I want to visit Ise again and again is that it lets me enjoy both sides: the quiet, solemn atmosphere of Ise Jingu and the lively, cheerful atmosphere of Okage Yokocho.

                                                                                                                                                   (Translated by Thanh Van)