Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Sanctuary (Kotai Jingu / Naiku) in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, is Japan's most sacred Shinto site, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. The pilgrimage begins at the wooden Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River and winds through towering ancient trees on a gravel path to the main hall — which visitors may only approach to the outermost fence. With over 8 million visitors annually, the adjacent Oharaimachi street and Okage Yokocho square offer traditional food and crafts after worship.