Ise Temple

Ise Temple is the main temple historically utilized by the Emperor of Japan and the imperial family. It is still used today for events like royal weddings. Apparently the shrine itself as well as the bridge are rebuilt ever 20 years as has been done for the past 2000 years.


This is the entrance to the Temple. The long bridge goes over a river and leads to the Temple grounds, which were extensive and included many ponds, structures, and beautiful forest.


The view from the bridge entering the Temple grounds. The entire riverbank is lined with rocks. Throughout Japan it is interesting to note how the Japanese seek to control and tame nature to do their bidding and how they do it in an effective and ascetically pleasing way.




On the other side of the bridge is a place for the ritual purification of oneself before entering the temple. Lord have mercy that water was straight from the river and freezing cold.



The entrance to a temple building. Note that only the royal family and priests can enter the temple--not even Japanese citizens are allowed to go inside. They actually had an imperial guard standing at the actual temple ensuring that no one took photos.


Another temple building, but not the actual temple.



Some kind of Shinto prayer wheels. Truman and I thought immediately of the Golden Child. Eddie Murphy scratching the wheel like its a turntable and he's a DJ. Good times.




Royal Shinto chickens. There were some with beautiful plumage, but all other chicken pictures were way fuzzy.