Visiting Ise Jingu (part 1: Geku, the Outer Shrine)

Описание: People have been visiting Ise Jingu from all over Japan for well over 1000 years. Originally it was pilgrims drawn to the most sacred site in Shinto, the indigenous Japanese religion. Today, mostly tourists drawn to serene atmosphere of the shrine area, as well as the historical hospitality district adjacent to the shrine. Or has it always been some combination of the two? Let's ponder that question on the walk from Ise-shi station to Geku -- the outher shine. Once there, you can experience the proper way to visit a Shinto shrine, while enjoying the peaceful energy of the surrounding forest.

0:00 Introduction
2:10 Ise-shi station area (hospitality district on the way to the shrine)
4:27 stopping for a beer at Ise-Kadoya Brewing
4:54 interview with travelers on traditional pilgrimage to Ise Jingu
7:28 approach to the shrine
8:20 ceremonial hand-washing before entering sacred area
9:15 passing into the sacred forest of Geku, the outer shrine
9:55 about trees
10:50 Toyo-Uke Grand Shrine, the central shrine of Geku
11:57 the other less-famous shrines of Geku
13:21 the sacred white horse
13:45 wrapping up part 1, and on to the inner shrine!

Music in this video courtesy of the YouTube creators' free music library, AND the mysterious Doctor Ebot. (Feel free to ask for details or clarification.)
Cheers!