Luxury and Spirituality: Mie’s Sacred Shrines and Ryokan Retreats
Justine Annan

We begin our journey at Ise Jingu, often regarded as the spiritual soul of Japan. Dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, this shrine holds huge significance in Shinto culture. Walking through the towering torii gates, I immediately feel an overwhelming sense of peace. The shrine complex is nestled harmoniously within an ancient forest, as if part of the landscape.

The moment we step through the gates, time seems to slow down. As we wander beneath trees that have stood here for centuries. My nephew, usually indifferent to history, is quiet, absorbing the atmosphere. Even he senses that Ise Jingu is more than a historical landmark—it’s a living, spiritual symbol of Japan’s identity.

Ise Jingu’s Sacred Traditions

The Naiku (Inner Shrine), where Amaterasu is enshrined, captivates me with its simplicity and timelessness. The most fascinating aspect, though, is the tradition of Shikinen Sengu, the ritual renewal in which the shrine is entirely rebuilt every 20 years. This 1,300-year-old cycle ensures that the shrine remains a symbol of purity and renewal.

For the Japanese, a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu has historically been a once-in-a-lifetime journey, a quest for spiritual renewal and divine protection. For me, it becomes an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with something far greater.

Oharai-machi: A Taste of Tradition

Between visits to the Naiku and Geku (Outer Shrine), we wander down Oharai-machi, a charming shopping street lined with traditional wooden buildings. The air is filled with the scent of fresh food, and artisan shops beckon us with beautiful handcrafted goods. We pause at a local restaurant to enjoy udon, a simple but delicious regional dish. The thick noodles in savory broth are comforting, and sharing this meal with my family makes the experience even more special.

Meoto Iwa: The Sacred Married Rocks

Later, we take a short trip to the Meoto Iwa (Married Rocks), near Futami Okitama Shrine. These two large rocks, bound together by a thick shimenawa rope, symbolize the union of the deities Izanagi and Izanami, the mythological creators of Japan. The rocks stand tall in the ocean, and watching the waves crash around them, I can see why they’re such a powerful symbol of marital harmony. The view is especially breathtaking at sunrise when the sun rises between the rocks, and on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance.

Luxury Ryokan: An Evening of Tranquility

After a day of spiritual exploration, we retreat to a luxurious ryokan. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s an immersion into traditional Japanese hospitality. Our room has a minimalist design with a private onsen (hot spring bath) and a terrace that overlooks a peaceful forest.

As we relax in the hot spring, surrounded by nature, I feel completely disconnected from the outside world, as though we’re a million miles away. The combination of luxury and spirituality in Mie brings us closer to each other, and more importantly, helps me find a sense of inner peace and reflection.

Reaching Mie Prefecture and Ise Jingu is surprisingly easy from major cities like Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. Here’s how to get there:

• From Nagoya:
  • Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Nagoya Station to Iseshi Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, it’s a short 5-minute bus or taxi ride to Ise Jingu’s Naiku Shrine.
• From Osaka:
  • The Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka-Namba Station to Iseshi Station takes about 2 hours. The scenic ride along the coast is part of the charm, and once you arrive, the shrine is just a short drive away.
• From Kyoto:
  • I catch the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Iseshi Station in around 2 hours and 10 minutes. Like the other routes, it’s a comfortable and relaxing journey, with beautiful views of the countryside.

For a more flexible option, you could also rent a car and drive to Ise Jingu from any of these cities, taking in the scenic coastal roads of Mie.

Once in Iseshi, the rest of the trip unfolds seamlessly, with Ise Jingu, the charming Oharai-machi street, and the Married Rocks all within easy reach by bus or taxi.