Ise

Ise , city (1990 pop. 104,164), Mie prefecture, S Honshu, Japan, on Ise Bay. It is one of the foremost religious centers of Shinto, the site of the shrines of Ise. These three shrines, set deep in a forest, are said to have been built in 4 BC They exhibit an archaic style of architecture, completely without Chinese or Buddhist influence; until 1868 Buddhist priests and nuns were forbidden to enter the shrines. The Naigu, or Inner Shrine, is dedicated to Amaterasu-o-mikami, the "divine ancestress" of the imperial family, and still houses the Sacred Mirror, one of the three treasures that comprise the imperial regalia. Ise has a university and several museums of antiquities. Pilgrimages to the shrines support a steady tourism industry. It was called Uji-yamada until 1955.

Ise. City in Japan containing the Ise shrines. The Inner Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, and the Outer to Toyouke Okami, in addition to which there are various other shrines. Under State Shinto, Ise became the shrine of the whole nation. Attempts were made here to absorb Buddhism (see HONJISUIJAKU) in Watarai Shintō, often known as Ise, or Outer Shrine, Shintō. The belief that pilgrimage to Ise can bring benefits to the nation can still be seen in visits of politicians to Ise. The pilgrimage is known as Ise Mairi.