伊勢路 伊勢神宮・外宮－Iseji, Ise Jingu Grand Shrine Geku dedicated to the Agricultural Goddess (Mar.2019-No.12）

伊勢路 伊勢神宮・外宮－Iseji, Ise Jingu Grand Shrine Geku, the Outer Shrine dedicated to the Agricultural Goddess　

Geku or Toyouke-Daijingu is the Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu Grand Shrine, dedicated to Toyouke Omikami, the Agricultural Goddess. It composes one of two main shrines of Ise Jingu Grand Shrine along with Naiku or the Inner Shrine which is dedicated to the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami. According to the old legend, Amaterasu is the ancestor of Japanese Emperor, and Toyouke Omikami is guardian of food, housing and clothing. Also Toyouke provides the food for Amaterasu.

Geku is located in Ise City, and You can walk to Geku about 5 minutes from the Ise City Station of  Kintetsu Line or JR Tokai Line. You can easily find large Torii Gate of this shrine led to the Main Hall. You walk gravel-covered paths that lead through a forest of tall trees and find many people gathering in front of Torii Gate.  They conduct Shinto ritual called Temizu(or Tyouzu ; water to wash your hands and mouth) and Nirei-Nihakusyu-Ichire(2 bows-2 claps-1 bow). The Main Hall is believed to have been built over 1500 years ago, about 500 years after Naiku. And it is rebuilt every 20 years and the next time will be in 2033. There are many people visiting and praying for their hopes and dreams in the future from the old days until today. 

the entrance of Geku, you can see Trii Gate and a small forest

There are tall Japanese cedar trees, and you can see tourists groups and the main hall.

the front of Geku, the Outer Shrine dedicated to Toyouke Omikami who provides the food for Amaterasu Omikami. This main hall will be rebuilt in 2033.

 the inside of Geku, tourists are not allowed taking photes close to the main hall

 the side of Geku