Place of worship • 274 Toyokawachō, Ise, Mie 516-0042, Japan
Close to the outer shrine of Ise Jingu, there are two quietly standing shrines. Akane Shrine and Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine, located near the bustling outer shrine, exude serenity and a mystical atmosphere.
Akane Shrine was once a sub-shrine of Ise Jingu and has a long history. Renamed in 1868, it now stands as an independent shrine. On the other hand, Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine gathers many worshippers as a symbol of Inari faith.
Unlike the usual vermilion torii gates, the torii here retain the texture of the wood, creating a unique atmosphere. Walking down the quiet pathway surrounded by trees, one can feel a sense of spiritual cleansing.
Akane Shrine is characterized by its simple wooden worship hall and copper-roofed main hall. In contrast, Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine attracts attention with its distinctive roof.
Within the grounds of Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine, numerous fox statues sit quietly on the stone lanterns and pedestal bases, watching over the visitors.
Just a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of the outer shrine, this place is enveloped in tranquility as if from another world. Featuring a rare sacred tree with intertwined cedar and camphor roots and a location inside a hollowed-out area of Magatama Pond, mysticism is scattered across this shrine.
The entrance is right by the tourist bus parking next to the outer shrine and near the Geku-mae bus stop, making access extremely convenient. It is open 24 hours, so visiting during quiet hours like early morning or sunset is recommended.
During your Ise Jingu pilgrimage, be sure to visit these hidden gems. Taking time to calm your mind away from the hustle and bustle will surely make your Ise pilgrimage a deeper experience. Akane Shrine and Toyokawa Akane Inari Shrine offer a wonderful opportunity to discover new charms of Ise.