Approximate countdown · exact dates to be confirmed
Exact dates: The central Sengyo (transfer of the deity to the new shrine) is scheduled for October 2033; the Oshirai-mochi white-pebble ceremony, which residents and some visitors join, is planned for July to August 2033. Exact days to be confirmed by the shrine.
When it happens again: Every 20 years since 690 AD. 2033 is the 63rd Shikinen Sengu; the next will be 2053.
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What it is
Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, is completely rebuilt every 20 years beside the old one, with new robes, furnishings and treasures. The deity is then ceremonially moved into the new shrine.
Why go, and why it's rare
A 1,300-year tradition of renewal that happens once a generation. Seeing the brand-new shrine next to the old one is possible only around the Sengu.
Every 20 years since 690 AD
What to expect
- Activities
- Visiting the Inner (Naiku) and Outer (Geku) shrines, the Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho streets, pearl diving culture at Toba, the Ise-Shima coast. The Sengyo itself is not open for public viewing.
- Markets and food
- Ise udon, akafuku mochi, Matsusaka beef, Ise-ebi spiny lobster, fresh oysters.
- Crowds
- Visitor numbers rise sharply in the Sengu year.
- Weather
- July and August are hot and humid; October is mild and pleasant.
- Mobility
- Moderate Gravel paths and long walks through the shrine forests.
Best way to experience it
- Suggested trip
- 2 nights in Ise-Shima within a 10 to 14 day Japan itinerary.
- Before and after
- Pre: Tokyo and Hakone. Post: Kyoto and Nara, or the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.
- Stopover cities
- Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya (closest major airport, NGO).
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Before you go
Entry requirements
For U.S. passport holders on a vacation. Other passport? Your advisor will check for you.
- Check your passport. Valid for your whole stay. 1 blank page for the landing sticker.
- Nothing to apply for. Free. Optional: set up Visit Japan Web a few days before you fly.
- Know your stay. Up to 90 days for tourism.
- Visit Japan Web (free, optional) lets you pre-fill immigration and customs and get QR codes for a faster arrival.
- JESTA, Japan's future online travel authorization, is law but not yet operating; the target is Japan's fiscal year 2028 (Apr 2028 to Mar 2029). Nothing to apply for today.
Visit Japan Web (official, optional) ›
Last verified Oct 12, 2026.
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Entry rules change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm before you travel. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
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