About Izawa-no-miya Shrine
Izawa-no-miya Shrine is a sub-shrine of the Inner Shrine (Kotai Jingu) of Ise Grand Shrine, located in Isobe-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture. It enshrines Amaterasu Omikami’s spirit, Amaterasu-no-Omikami-no-Mitama.
As the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Shima Province, it boasts a history of approximately 2000 years and is affectionately known locally as “Isobe no Ojingu-san,” meaning “the shrine far away.”
Status as a Sub-Shrine of the Grand Shrine
Among the 14 sub-shrines of Ise Grand Shrine, it holds a particularly important position and is considered to have a status second only to the Inner and Outer Shrines. The Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding and relocation ceremony) is also held every 20 years, just like the Inner and Outer Shrines.
Otaue Matsuri – One of Japan’s Three Great Rice Planting Festivals
Festival Overview
The Otaue Matsuri, held annually on June 24th, is one of Japan’s three great rice planting festivals, alongside those of Katori Shrine (Chiba Prefecture) and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (Osaka Prefecture). It is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and boasts a tradition of over 1000 years.
Festival Highlights
- Bamboo Gathering Ritual: The festival’s climax, a magnificent ritual where participants compete to seize a large fan.
- Drumming: Traditional drumming with a unique rhythm.
- Rice Planting by Young Women: Young women in white robes gracefully plant rice seedlings in the sacred rice field.
- Dance Performance: A dedication by participants in brightly colored costumes.
Features of the Shrine and Grounds
Simple Beauty
The shrine buildings of Izawa Shrine are constructed in the Shinmei-zukuri style, unique to Ise Grand Shrine. While a simple wooden structure devoid of ornamentation, its dignified presence exudes a sacred atmosphere.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
- Imperial Rice Field: A sacred rice field in front of the shrine, the stage for the Rice Planting Festival.
- Kinchaku Camphor Tree: A sacred camphor tree said to be several hundred years old.
- Water Basin: A place to purify your mind and body with pure water.
Points for Visiting
Proper Visiting Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate.
- Purify your hands and mouth at the water basin.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall.
- Also visit the Imperial Rice Field and the sacred tree.
Etiquette for Visiting
Izawa Shrine, as a sub-shrine of the Inner Shrine, enshrines the “Nigimitama” (gentle spirit) of Amaterasu Omikami. Visiting it in conjunction with a visit to the Inner Shrine will provide a deeper worship experience.
Recommended Visiting Time
The tranquil early morning hours are especially recommended. With few tourists, you can fully experience the sacred atmosphere.
Benefits
Main Benefits
- Abundant Harvest: The divine virtue of agriculture and bountiful harvests, symbolized by the Rice Planting Festival
- Industrial Development: As the guardian deity of Shima, a land blessed with the bounty of the sea
- Family Safety: Protection by the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami
- Fulfillment of Wishes: The miraculous power to hear the wishes of many worshippers since ancient times
Reasons for Particular Reverence
It is deeply revered by people involved in fishing and agriculture, and is worshipped as the guardian deity of industry in the Shima region.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Shima Line “Kaminogo Station”
- From Nagoya: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by Kintetsu Limited Express
- From Osaka: Approximately 3 hours by Kintetsu Limited Express
Access by Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Ise Expressway “Ise-Nishi IC”
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)
- Free parking available (approximately 30 cars)
Visiting Hours
- January-April, September: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- May-August: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- October-December: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Open all year round
Nearby Attractions
Places to Visit Together
- Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku): Approximately 30 minutes by car, the main base for worship
- Shima Spain Village: Approximately 15 minutes by car: Theme park
- Yokoyama Observatory: Approximately 20 minutes by car, a scenic spot offering panoramic views of Ago Bay
- Isobe’s Sacred Rice Fields: Sacred rice fields where the Rice Planting Festival is held
Summary
Izawa Shrine, a sub-shrine of Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine, boasts a 2000-year history and is a prestigious shrine that serves as the stage for one of Japan’s three major rice planting festivals. It is known for its simple yet sacred wooden shrine buildings, the magnificent Rice Planting Festival held every June, and its blessings for abundant harvests and industrial development. It is easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Kaminogo Station. It is a sub-shrine that you should definitely visit when visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
