Geku is one of the main shrines of Ise Jingu. The Toyouke Daijingu or Geku is dedicated to Toyouke-no Omikami, Goddess of Agriculture and Industry. She is also the guardian of Amaterasu Omikami's food offerings. Located deep in a forest of ancient trees. 

In keeping with the ancient tradition ‘Ise pilgrimage starts from Geku, the Geku Approach serves as the gateway to the pilgrimage, adorned with numerous Ise-Shima specialty eateries and souvenir shops. This charming approach from Ise-shi Station to Geku offers a vibrant array of options. Open in the evening, you can savor the different ambiance with traditional Japanese cuisine, izakayas, and bars.

A Geku-affiliated Shrine The kami enshrined here is Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto, a younger brother of Amaterasu-Omikami, the same as is worshipped at the Naiku-affiliated Tsukiyomi-no-miya. The holy area is surrounded by trees that are hundreds of years old, and visitors experience a sense of tranquility rarely found in an urban setting.

Akone Shrine is located in the Geku Shrine area of Ise Jingu. It is affectionately known as “Akone-san. The shrine is surrounded by the Magatama Pond of the Geku, and the chief priest is a woman. Akone Shrine is dedicated to food and grain. Akone Ushitenjin, named after Sugawara Michizane, is said to bring good luck for academic success. Red seals are popular.

The Konishi family took over the secret recipe for pharmaceuticals in Sakai during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and opened a store in the current location in 1676 (Enpo 4) to sell mangintan. The outer storehouse is a two-story building with a main-tile roof, and the lower storehouse has a clerestory tile roof. It is thought to have been built in 1779. Tours are permitted.

Learn the roots of traditional Ise washi This museum is found on the grounds of Taiho Washi Kogyo, the company that produces the traditional Japa- nese paper - or washi - used to make the sacred talismans offered by Ise Jingu. Visitors can see exhibits showing the tools used to make the traditional paper and can purchase various types of Ise washi.

A home that welcomed pilgrims. Former residence of Onshi was the name used to describe the priests who provided lodgings and information to those visiting Ise on pilgrimage. There were once 800 onshi residences, but this is the only one that remains. When open to the public, visitors can tour the inside of the residence and see various materials from the past.

​

If you make a reservation in advance, you can tour inside and Mr. Maruoka will share his stories with you. Admission fee is 100 yen.

Tokan-ji Temple