Ise, Japan: Ise Shrine Naiku's Main Building

 I noticed this path, because there weren't so many people. Everywhere else was crawling with people, but it was relatively quiet here.

 You can see all the people walking along the main path.

There was some kind of ceremony going on inside this building. I could hear the traditional flute music coming from inside. 

Only in Japan will you find shoes so neatly lined up side by side by everyone.

Ise, Japan: A River in Ise Shrine

 

The river in Ise Shrine (Naiku) is huge! This is the first time I have seen a big river running through the grounds of a shrine.

The water looks very clean and clear. If it wasn't so cold I would like to walk around in it, although I don't think that is allowed.

The combination of the rock and the water movements created an interesting pattern that I found appealing.

It almost feels like spring in this photograph, but I think the bare branches makes it obvious that it was winter when I visited.

I was surprised that more people didn't stop by the river. Maybe they were trying to beat the rush to the main areas of the Shrine.

The weather was perfect, even if was a bit cold and windy.

This is a must see for any of you planning to travel around Japan.

If you don't have the opportunity to travel around Japan yet, I hope these photographs will tide you over until you do.

Ise, Japan: Ise Shrine Naiku

I have to say Naiku is very beautiful. With the trees, mountains and river running through it; it's hard to resist.

The air here is so fresh. I always think it's strange when people say that, but now I see what people are saying. The air just has a different quality to it compared to the city.

Crossing over the bridge you will find these breathtaking views. It doesn't take your breath away just because of how beautiful it is, but also with the wind chill. Don't worry if you visit in summer you will probably wish for the wind to greet you.

During the Spring this area would be amazing to see. I'm sure there are plenty of Cherry Trees around here. 

 The garden is huge and well taken cared of.

On the day I visited it was the morning of New Year's Eve so everyone was making their pilgrimages to the Miya's around the Shrine.

A few more fun shots with my GoPro. I'm always (okay, I've only used it twice, but so far 100% of the time!) happily surprised by the photos I take with it. 

I have so much more to share with you, so make sure to check out the next post!

Ise, Japan: Good-bye Geku, Hello Naiku!

 

 These are the lost of my photos for the Geku side.

Even with all the people visiting for the New Year's holiday, there were some very peaceful areas.

I hope to visit here again, but until then I will have these posts to remind me of the beauty at Ise Shrine in the Geku area.

The Naiku area is about a 30 minute bus ride, but it is easy to get to. The bus stop is right in front of the Geku entrance and the bus drops you off near a alley that leads to this entrance.

Ise, Japan: Geku side with a GoPro

 I just got the GoPro Hero3 for Christmas and so I decided to test it out. Here are a few of the shots that I got playing with it.
 

 I think it really brought a different perspective for the photograph. The quality of the photos are amazing as well!
 

Ise, Japan: Looking Around the Geku Side

Ise, Japan: A few more Miya's

Miya (宮) is where people go to pray to the gods. It is where a god dwells. At Ise Shrine there are many. In the Geku area of Ise Shrine there are a few.

The way these buildings are designed is amazing. These buildings are the same design as the original ones that were built here.

 The buildings here are well taken cared of.

Even the layout of the rocks have a lot of thought put into them. 

Ise, Japan: The Home of Touyoke No Oomikami

 Just outside the dwelling place of Touyoke No Oomikami.

We are allowed to step up to the inner gate and offer our respects or a prayer. Before stepping through the torii gate we are supposed to bow and then bow again when we are leaving. The family of three is a perfect example of what we should do, but recently not as many people do.

The atmosphere in Ise Shrine is a happy and calm one.

 
With the tall trees and large areas of land it feels like you walking around a forest.

 The sunlight is beautiful at Ise Shrine.

 This is supposed to be a power stone. This shrine is known as one of the power spots in Japan.