-
MovieTouching the Spirit of Prayer.
Ujiko Experience
-
MovieSavoring Sake and Terroir
Terroir Cycling
-
MovieTouching the Spirit of Miyabi
Jūnihitoe Experience
Why the Saikyū
before the pilgrimage to Ise?
Visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
"Did you know that before that, there was a special place
for purifying body and mind and offering prayers?"
That is the palace of the imperial princess known
as the “Saiō,” the “Saikyū,” which once stood in this town of Meiwa.
"Why the Saikyū
before the pilgrimage to Ise?"
That is because we want you to experience a “modern purification ritual” that refreshes both mind and body,
following the story of the Saikyū.
And because in the land of Meiwa, where the history of prayer lives on, one can deeply learn the proper etiquette of worship and the “spirit of prayer.”
A Journey of Pure Cleansing: Connect with Authentic History to Prepare Body and Soul.
This will transform your pilgrimage to Ise into a deeper, more meaningful experience.
The Princess's Prayer.
“Bridge Between Humans and the Gods” The Saio and Saikyū
The Saiō was an unmarried imperial princess who served at Ise Grand Shrine in place of the Emperor. In this Ise land far from the capital, she lived each day as a “bridge between humans and the gods,” praying for the nation's peace and prosperity. The palace where this Saiō resided for approximately 660 years, from the Asuka period to the Kamakura period, is the Saiō Palace. It is Japan's only sacred site where an elegant and modest culture flourished, much like that of the capital city of Kyoto.
The common people's wish.
The Ise Highway, where pilgrims to Ise Shrine once traveled back and forth
The Saikyū, which lasted for approximately 660 years, was abolished due to national turmoil and eventually faded into history as the “phantom shrine.” As time passed into the early modern period, pilgrimages to Ise Shrine—once permitted only to a select few—were opened to commoners, sparking a fervent boom known as the “Okage Pilgrimage.”
This land became a vital route along the Ise Highway (Iseji) leading to Ise Grand Shrine. Over time, the place where the princess offered her prayers also became a place where the wishes of commoners gathered from across the nation intersected.
Imagine the excitement and longing of travelers from that era, and experience this sacred place as if you were a pilgrim to Ise during the Edo period. This will surely deepen your feelings for Ise Grand Shrine.
(Ise Pilgrimage Scenic Views / National Diet Library Collection)
Preparing for prayer.
Sacred Sites of Purification and Exorcism
The Saio performed purification rites at the sacred entrance to the divine domain, the “Purification River” and the “Oyodo Coast,” before attending the sacred rites.
And during the Edo period, it is said that travelers journeying along the Ise Highway also performed purification rites at this “Purification River” before crossing it, cleansing themselves before heading to Ise Grand Shrine. Before heading to Ise Grand Shrine, they first purified their minds and bodies at this sacred place. That very act is the preparation for careful prayer, passed down through the ages.
A unique experience
unlike any other
The elegant moments of donning the Saio's ceremonial twelve-layered kimono, and the experience of being a local parishioner rooted in the community. This is a special place where the prayers of imperial princesses and the wishes of commoners intersect. We offer an extraordinary, authentic experience unlike any other.
Self-discovery
What you experience at this sacred site where the Saio and travelers once offered prayers becomes a modern purification ritual—a cleansing and purification—that refreshes both your mind and body.
Reclaiming a “sunny disposition” is the starting point for your “self-transformation.”
Being healthy
Breathe deeply while feeling the sea breeze of Ise Bay (physical health). Clean the sacred grove of the shrine and clear your mind (mental health). Touch the profound history of the Saikyū and satisfy your intellectual curiosity (intellectual health). All of this combines to create a wellness journey that refreshes both body and mind, leaving you feeling bright and cheerful.
Challenge
Experience the rich “nature” surrounding the Saikyū Shrine. And take an intellectual “challenge” to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture—elegant court traditions and local Shinto rituals—like never before. We support your new beginning.
Low impact
We promote travel using environmentally friendly methods to realize eco-conscious journeys. We deeply respect the region's history and culture, passed down from the Saio priestesses and travelers of old. A portion of your experience fee supports conservation efforts for this area's rich natural environment and the Saikyū ruins.
Would you like to delve
deeper into the stories behind
the pilgrimage to Ise?
- Simply paying respects feels somehow unsatisfying.
- If I'm going to make the trip, I'd like to learn more about its deeper history before visiting.
- Forget the usual clamor and truly refresh (purify) your heart.
- Before visiting Ise Shrine, I want to prepare myself mentally and physically.
- I wish to deeply understand the proper etiquette for worship and the Japanese spirit of prayer.
- I want to experience the “real” thing that isn't in guidebooks.
Experience Plans
A graceful moment embodying the Imperial Princess. Twelve-Layered Kimono Dressing Experience
The Saikyū, where elegant culture flourished like Kyoto itself. Clad in the solemn twelve-layered robes worn by the imperial princess, the Saio, experience a moment of regaining that extraordinary, festive spirit. Why not connect with the spirit of the princess who offered prayers here?
Purify body and mind with the sea breeze.
Fat Bike Tour at Oyodo Beach
The sacred Oyo Coast, where the Saio priestess once performed purification rites. Ride boldly along the beautiful coastline of white sand and green pines on a fat bike with its extra-wide tires. Bathe in the sea breeze and reset your mind and body—a modern, active purification experience.
Experience the spirit of prayer.
Become a parishioner and learn to care for the shrine.
Experience becoming a shrine supporter, or “ujiko,” in the sacred grounds where imperial princesses and travelers once prayed. Change into work clothes, receive purification rites, and clean areas normally off-limits to visitors, clearing your mind. Perform a “special worship” using rituals taught directly by the shrine priest, concluding with a communal feast, “naorai,” with fellow ujiko. A special time to connect with the Japanese spirit of prayer.
Following the path of dreams.
Cycling the Ise Road to Ise Shrine
The “Ise Road” that many people longed for during the Edo period. We trace its route using the modern horse: the electric-assist bicycle. Enjoy the charming streetscapes invisible from car windows and a break at the 200-year-old shop “Henba Mochi.” Accompanied by a local guide, we journey toward Ise Grand Shrine while imagining the thoughts of travelers past, making your visit a deeply moving experience.
Bringing the traveler's dream into the modern age.
Craft experiences with “Gikakushi” and “Iga Kumihimo”
The “imitation leather paper” once cherished by travelers along the Ise Highway as a stylish souvenir for their pilgrimage to Ise Shrine. In an era when genuine leather was rare, it was the wisdom and skill of our ancestors to create this imitation leather from Japanese paper. In this experience, you'll combine revived imitation leather with the traditional craft of “Iga kumihimo” braiding to create your very own piece. It's a special time to transform the story of the highway where the wishes of common people crossed paths into a “festive” form with a modern sensibility.
To the sacred site where the Saio once performed purification rites.
“Purification River” “Kayak” Retreat
A special water journey along the “Purification River,” where pilgrims cleansed themselves before visiting Ise Grand Shrine. Featuring detailed instruction, even beginners can participate with confidence. Become one with nature on the tranquil river surface for a deeply refreshing experience that cleanses both body and mind.
Discover the Depths of Japanese Sake.
Terroir Cycling Experience
A journey through rural landscapes by electric bicycle, themed around Meiwa's “water” and “sake.” This deeply fulfilling experience allows you to savor the local terroir with all five senses—from tours and tastings at a long-established sake brewery to a lunch featuring the local specialty “torimiso.”
Access
From Major Cities to Meiwa Town (Saikū)
Saikū is the perfect location to visit "prior" to your pilgrimage to Ise Jingu.
By Public Transportation (To Kintetsu Saikū Station)
By Car
Now, embrace a sacred day
at Saikū to cleanse your body and soul
before your Ise pilgrimage.
Contact Us
明和観光商社(Meiwa Tourism Company)
Phone：+81 596-67-6850(Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM JST)
Email：[email protected]
About Meiwa Tourism Company
Meiwa Tourism Company serves as the central entity promoting tourism policies that effectively link tourism and local resources in Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture.
The company engages not only in tourism and community development projects but also in activities such as product sales and Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation).
