By ando 
When you visit Ise Grand Shrine’s Naiku (Kotai Jingu), do you perhaps just visit the Main Sanctuary and then leave, feeling satisfied? In fact, very close by, there is an extremely important place known as “the place to convey personal wishes.” This is Aramatsuri-no-miya, the first Betsugu (auxiliary shrine) of Naiku.
This time, we will introduce the mysterious legends and enigmas surrounding this shrine, which holds a special status even within the Grand Shrine itself.
Basic Information
Location: Ujikancho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture (within the Naiku grounds, northwest of the Main Sanctuary).
Kami enshrined: Amaterasu Sumera Ohmikami no Aramitama (the active and dynamic spirit of Amaterasu Omikami).
Status: It holds the first rank among the 10 Betsugu (auxiliary shrines) belonging to Naiku.
1. The Main Sanctuary for “Gratitude” and Aramatsuri-no-miya for “Wishes”
The Main Sanctuary of Ise Grand Shrine is traditionally considered a place to express daily gratitude, not a place to pray for personal gain or selfish desires. However, Aramatsuri-no-miya is different.
Enshrined here is the “Aramitama” of Amaterasu Omikami. This is the especially active aspect of a kami’s spirit, possessing strong energy that brings about new events. For this reason, it has long been revered as “a place that grants personal wishes.” The proper way for a seasoned visitor to Ise is to convey gratitude at the Main Sanctuary and then express resolutions or wishes at Aramatsuri-no-miya.
2. The Mystery Sleeping Beneath Your Feet: “The Untrodden Stone”
Partway up the stone steps leading to Aramatsuri-no-miya, there is a mysterious stone that almost all visitors stop to observe. This is “The Untrodden Stone” (Fumanu-ishi).
Located around the 41st step, this stone, when observed closely, has a crack resembling the kanji character for “heaven” (天). Legend has it that since the Edo period, there has been a belief that “this stone fell from the sky,” and people have feared that stepping on it would bring divine punishment. What is also mysterious is that its texture is distinctly different from the surrounding stones, and it appears to stand out as if it were levitating. Even today, you can observe many worshippers carefully avoiding this stone as they pass.
3. The Mystery of the Missing Torii Gate
While a torii gate is almost always found at the entrance of a jinja (Shinto shrine), Aramatsuri-no-miya actually has no torii.
This is also true for Taga-no-miya, the first Betsugu of Geku (the Outer Shrine). The clear reason why these first Betsugu lack a torii remains a mystery even within the long history of the Grand Shrine. One theory suggests that because they hold an extremely high status, on par with the Main Sanctuary, they deliberately do not adopt the common form of a typical shrine.
4. Special Treatment on Par with the Main Sanctuary
The significance of Aramatsuri-no-miya is also evident in the solemnity of its rituals.
The important festival called Kannmisosai, where new garments are offered to the kami, is held only at the Main Sanctuary and at Aramatsuri-no-miya within Naiku. The very fact that it is treated as a pair with the Main Sanctuary, surpassing other Betsugu, symbolizes the overwhelming power this shrine possesses.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Information: Anime “RDG Red Data Girl”
In episodes 7 and 8 of the anime “RDG Red Data Girl,” which depicts a spiritual world view, Ise Grand Shrine’s Naiku appears as a setting.
Scenes where the protagonist, Izumiko Suzuhara, visits Naiku carefully portray the approach leading to the Main Sanctuary and the sacred atmosphere. While Aramatsuri-no-miya itself is not prominently featured, walking through the grounds while contemplating the anime’s theme of “the power of divine spirits” should allow you to feel the energy of Aramitama even more intimately.
Advice for Your Visit
Aramatsuri-no-miya is located on a slightly elevated spot behind the Main Sanctuary. Many people report feeling a sudden crispness in the air as they follow the designated route after visiting the Main Sanctuary.
When you are facing a critical moment, or seeking courage to confront a turning point in your life, please consider visiting to receive the powerful energy of Amaterasu Omikami. However, be sure to watch your step and avoid treading on “The Stone of Heaven” on the stone steps!
Related Links / References
1. Locals Testify! What is Ise’s Powerful Kami That Grants Wishes? – Lettuce Club
2. What are the Divine Blessings of Aramatsuri-no-miya? A Thorough Explanation of Whether You Can Make Wishes at Ise Grand Shrine!
3. Aramatsuri-no-miya (Kotai Jingu Betsugu) | Ise City Tourist Association
4. (5) The Establishment of Kotai Jingu (Naiku) ~The Mysterious “Aramatsuri-no-miya” and “Aidono-no-Kami”~ – Idegaku
5. Aramatsuri-no-miya, Where We Receive Courage | Healing Tour
6. Aramatsuri-no-miya – Wikipedia
7. Tour of Ise Province Shrines ~Naiku and Aramatsuri-no-miya~ | NAVIHiko ~A Journey to Gods Free from Calamities~
8. The Mystery of Ise Grand Shrine Naiku: The Truth of Aramatsuri-no-miya – Jinja Tabi
9. Precautions When Making Wishes at Ise Grand Shrine and How to Maximize Your Blessings | Mukiryokuma’s Random Blog
10. The Untrodden Stone of Ise Grand Shrine Naiku Aramatsuri-no-miya | mikomarin9999’s Blog