Kodenchi(Site of the previous sanctuary)
古殿地

Main sanctuary

Naiku is the most venerable sanctuary in Japan. Here is a jinja (Shinto shrine)
dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral kami (Shinto deity) of the Imperialfamily. She was enshrined in Naiku about 2,000 years ago and has been revered asa guardian of Japan.

A divine palace of Amaterasu-Omikami stands here. The Holy
Mirror (a symbol of Amaterasu-Omikami) is enshrined inside themain sacred palace at the innermost courtyard of the main
sanctuary and the main palace is enclosed with four rows ofwooden fences. Pilgrims usually worship the enshrined kami infront of the gate of the third row of the fence.

Aramatsuri-no-miya

There are 14 superior affiliated jinja which arerevered next to the main sanctuaries of Naiku andGeku in Jingu. This jinja occupies the highest rank
among them and is dedicated to a vigorous spirit ofAmaterasu-Omikami.

Geheiden

One of the auxiliary jinja of Naiku to store harvested rice foroffering to kami in rituals.
An architectural style of this jinja is similar to that of themain palace of the main sanctuary but smaller in size. It issaid that the style of jinja in Jingu derived from rice granaryof ancient Japan.

(outer treasury)
外幣殿

This bridge spans across the Isuzugawa River at the entrance ofNaiku and is said to separate a sacred realm from the daily world.
The architectural style of the Ujibashi Bridge is purely Japanese andits length is over 100 meters.
This Bridge is rebuilt every twenty years as a part of Shikinen Sengu(a periodic transfer of the divine symbol to a divine palace which isnewly constructed every twenty years).

Rest house for Pilgrims.
Souvenirs and drink vending
machines can be found here.

Jingu is a sanctuary to pray for public
happiness. If someone have personal
wish, he or she can dedicate a prayer
by offering kagura (ceremonial musicand dance) to kami of Jingu. Amulets
of Jingu can be obtained here.

Kazahinomi-no-miya
One of the superior affiliated jinja dedicated to a coupleof kami of wind. They rule wind and rain which arenecessary for growth of grains. It is said that those twokami created great storms that repelled the Mongolian
Expeditions against Japan in the late 13th century.

Torii, a symbolic structure ofShinto.
When pilgrims walk towards asanctuary, they pass under thetorii.
瀧祭神
A kami that protects the Isuzugawa River isenshrined here.

How to worship kami

Shikinen Sengu ‒ 式年遷宮 ‒…Nursing room

… Pet checkroom

Every twenty years, a new divine palace with the same dimensions as the current
one is constructed at an alternate site which is adjacent to the main sanctuary.
The sacred apparel, furnishings and divine treasures to be placed inside thesacred palace are also remade. Once they are prepared, the Holy Mirror (a symbolof Amaterasu-Omikami) is moved to the new sanctuary by the Jingu priests. Thisritual is called Shikinen Sengu. It is carried out at Geku and other jinja of Jingu aswell.

When you reach a jinja in Jingu, please worship theenshrined kami in the following manners;
Bow twice deeply, clap your hands twice and bow
once more deeply.

Temizusha(ablution font) 手水舎
Pilgrims make their ablutions at either
mitarashi or temizusha by washing theirhands and rinsing their mouth with purewater prior to approaching the mainsanctuary.

Mitarashi(Site for ablution)
御手洗場

Etiquette inside the Jingu precinct･ Please do not take a picture at the area to worship.
･ Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed within theprecinct except in designated areas