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MovieEncountering the Spirit of Prayer.
The Ujiko Experience
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MovieSavoring Sake and Terroir
A Terroir Cycling Experience
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MovieTouching the Spirit of Miyabi
The Twelve-Layered Kimono Experience
Why begin your journey to Ise at Saiku?
Before visiting Ise Jingu, did you know people once purified their body and mind at a special place? That place was Saiku, the palace where the imperial princess known as the Saio once lived, here in the town of Meiwa. Why begin your journey to Ise at Saiku?
Because here, through the story of Saiku, you can experience a “modern purification ritual” that refreshes both body and mind.
And in Meiwa—where a long history of prayer still lives on—you can learn the proper etiquette of worship and truly feel the spirit of prayer.
A journey of purification that gently renews both body and mind through authentic history—transforming your visit to Ise into a deeper, more meaningful experience.
The Princess’s Prayer
A Bridge Between Humans and the Gods: Saio and Saiku
The Saio was an unmarried imperial princess who served at Ise Jingu on behalf of the Emperor.
Living in the Ise region, far from the capital, she devoted her life to prayer as a bridge between humans and the gods, offering prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
The palace where the Saio resided for nearly 660 years—from the Asuka period through the Kamakura period—is known as Saiku. It is Japan’s only sacred site where an elegant yet restrained court culture flourished outside the capital, reminiscent of Kyoto itself.
The People’s Wish
Along the Ise Kaidō, the Road of Pilgrims
Ise Jingu
After nearly 660 years, Saiku was abolished amid national turmoil and gradually faded into history as a forgotten palace.
As Japan entered the early modern period, pilgrimages to Ise—once reserved for a select few—were opened to ordinary people, giving rise to the nationwide boom known as the Okage Pilgrimage.
This area became part of the Ise Kaidō, the historic pilgrimage road leading to Ise Jingu.
Over time, the place where the imperial princess once offered her prayers also became a crossroads of hopes and wishes, gathered from common people across the nation.
As you walk this sacred land today, imagine the excitement and longing of Edo-period pilgrims and experience Saiku as they once did.
It is an encounter that adds deeper meaning to any visit to Ise Jingu.
(Ise Pilgrimage Scenic Views / National Diet Library Collection)
Preparing for Prayer
Sacred Places of Purification
Before attending sacred rites, the Saio performed purification rituals at the threshold of the divine realm—at the Harai River and along the Oyodo Coast.
During the Edo period, travelers journeying along the Ise Kaido likewise purified themselves at this river before continuing on to Ise Jingu.
By cleansing both body and mind at this sacred place, they prepared themselves for prayer.
This act of purification, passed down through the ages, remains an essential step in approaching the sacred with sincerity and care.
An Experience Found Nowhere Else
From wearing the Saio’s ceremonial twelve-layered kimono to experiencing life as an ujiko (local shrine parishioner), this is a place where the prayers of imperial princesses and the wishes of the people come together—creating a truly unique and authentic experience.
Self-discovery
At this sacred site where the Saio and generations of travelers once offered their prayers, your experience becomes a modern ritual of purification—gently cleansing and renewing both body and mind.
Being healthy
Breathe deeply as you feel the sea breeze from the Ise Bay, refreshing your body.
Clear your mind while caring for the shrine’s sacred grounds.
Engage your intellect as you encounter the profound history of Saiku.
Together, these experiences create a holistic wellness journey that nurtures physical, mental, and intellectual well-being—leaving you feeling refreshed, balanced, and uplifted.
Challenge
Experience the rich natural surroundings of Saiku, and engage in a thoughtful intellectual journey into authentic Japanese culture—embracing elegant court traditions and local Shinto rituals in a way rarely experienced.
Low impact
We promote eco-conscious travel through environmentally responsible practices. With deep respect for the region’s history and culture—handed down by the Saio priestesses and the travelers of earlier times—a portion of your experience fee is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich natural environment and the Saiku ruins.
Would you like to discover the deeper story behind the pilgrimage to Ise Jingu?
- “I wanted my visit to Ise Jingu to feel more meaningful than simply paying my respects.”
- “Before making the pilgrimage, I hoped to learn the deeper history behind it.”
- “I was looking for a place to step away from the crowds and quietly purify my heart.”
- “I wanted to prepare both mind and body before visiting Ise Jingu.”
- “I wished to understand proper worship etiquette and the Japanese spirit of prayer.”
- “I was searching for an authentic experience—something not found in guidebooks.”
Experience Programs
Stepping into the Grace of an Imperial Princess
A Twelve-Layered Kimono Experience
Saiku was a place where refined court culture flourished, much like the ancient capital of Kyoto.
Clad in the solemn twelve-layered robes once worn by the imperial princess, the Saio, experience a moment of grace that lifts you beyond the everyday, and encounter the spirit of the princess who once prayed here.
Being purified by the Sea Breeze
Fat Bike Experience at the Oyodo Beach
Oyodo Beach is a sacred shoreline where the Saio is said to have once performed purification rites.
Ride swiftly along its beautiful coast of white sand and pine groves on a fat bike with extra-wide tires.
Breathe in the sea breeze, reset both body and mind, and experience a modern, active form of purification.
Experience the spirit of prayer.
Become a parishioner and learn to care for the shrine.
At this sacred place where the Saio and pilgrims once prayed, you are invited to become an ujiko, a local supporter of the shrine.
After changing into traditional workwear, you receive purification rites and take part in cleaning areas normally closed to visitors— bringing clarity to the mind in tranquility. Guided by a Shinto priest, you also perform a special form of worship, followed by a naorai, a shared meal with local ujiko.
This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to encounter the heart of Japanese prayer.
Following the Path of Dreams
Cycling the Ise Road to Ise Jingu
In the Edo period, many people longed to walk the Ise Road.
Today, you trace this historic route on a modern steed—an electric-assist bicycle.
Along the way, discover charming streetscapes unseen from a car window and pause for refreshment at Henba Mochi, a beloved shop with over 200 years of history. Accompanied by a local guide, you journey toward Ise Jingu while reflecting on the hopes and aspirations of travelers of the past—an immersive experience that adds depth and meaning to your visit.
Carrying the Traveler’s Dream into the Present
Craft Experiences with Gikakushi and Iga Kumihimo
Gikakushi, imitation leather paper once beloved by travelers on the Ise Road, reflects the wisdom and craftsmanship of a time when leather was a rare luxury.
In this hands-on experience, you pair revived gikakushi with traditional Iga kumihimo braiding to create a unique piece of your own. Transforming the stories and wishes woven into this historic road into a modern form, this experience offers a creative encounter with the spirit of the past.
Immersing in the Sacred Waters of Purification
A Kayak Retreat on the Harai River
A special serene journey along the Harai River, where pilgrims once purified themselves before visiting Ise Jingu. With careful instruction provided, even first-time participants can join with confidence. Gliding across the river’s tranquil surface, you become one with nature and experience a deep sense of refreshment—purifying both body and mind.
Discovering the Depths of Japanese Sake
A Terroir Cycling Experience
Explore Meiwa’s countryside by electric bicycle on a journey themed around water and Japanese sake. From sake brewery tours and tastings to a torimiso lunch made with local flavors, this experience offers a rich encounter with the region’s terroir through all five senses.
Access
From Major Cities to Meiwa Town (Saiku)
Saiku is the ideal place to begin your journey before visiting Ise Jingu.
By Public Transportation (To Kintetsu Saiku Station)
By Car (from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka)
Begin your journey to Ise Jingu with a special day of purification at Saiku—
a day to cleanse both body and mind.
Contact Us
DMO HANA Meiwa
Phone：+81 596-67-6850 (Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM JST)
Email：[email protected]
About DMO HANA Meiwa
Meiwa Tourism Company serves as the core organization dedicated to connecting tourism with local resources in Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture.
Beyond tourism promotion and community development, the company is also involved in initiatives such as local product sales and Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) programs.
