Mie: Ise Grand Shrine, TOEFL Yokocho, Futamiura Meotowa Rock, Futami Okitama Shrine, and the Asakumayama Observatory - Sky Mailbox | Depart from Nagoya

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— Itinerary Introduction —

・Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, is the most representative of all Japanese shrines and is revered as the "spiritual Furusato of the Japanese people." To distinguish it from other shrines of the same name, it is given the place name "Ise Grand Shrine." The shrine is centered around the Inner Shrine, "Kōdaijingū," and the Outer Shrine, "Toyome Daijingū," respectively enshrining Amaterasu-za-Kōdai-omikami (also known as Amaterasu Omikami) and Toyome Daimikami. It also encompasses numerous detached shrines, secondary shrines, and other shrines, collectively known as "jingū," totaling 125 shrines. Ise Grand Shrine also enshrines the Yata no Kagami, one of the Three Sacred Treasures symbolizing imperial power. According to the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan), Amaterasu Omikami once said, "Look into this precious mirror, as if looking into me." As a result, the shrine has been revered since ancient times and has become a sacred site visited by successive Japanese emperors and the general public.

・TOEFL Yokocho

Located in front of the inner gate of Ise Grand Shrine, Tofuku Yokocho is a historic tourist district recreating the bustling torii-mae townscape of the "Okage-san" (Ise pilgrimage) period from the late Edo period to the early Meiji era. The park features 28 meticulously restored or relocated buildings, including traditional Tsumiri-style buildings unique to Ise, warehouse buildings from the Ise Kawasaki district, and Western-style buildings from Kuwana, perfectly capturing the historical cityscape of that period. Strolling through the area offers a sense of time travel, immersing oneself in the life of ordinary people and the pilgrimage culture of ancient Japan.

・Mt. Asakuma Observatory

Perched at the highest point of the Ise-Shima Sky Line, the Asakuma Summit Observatory offers breathtaking views of the Ise Plain and Toba Bay. On clear days, the azure sky and vast ocean intertwine to create a breathtaking spectacle, with even distant views of Mount Fuji a breathtaking sight. The observatory's most popular attraction is the "Sky Mailbox"—a vibrant red vintage mailbox perched against the azure sky, creating a striking visual contrast and a trending topic on social media. Brooms are also available for rental on site, allowing visitors to capture creative photos that make them feel like they're soaring through the sky, creating unique travel memories.

・Futamiura Meotoiwa Rock

Meotoiwa, nestled on the Futamiura coast, has been a sacred spot for worshipping the sunrise since ancient times. Approximately 700 meters offshore, it is said to hold the sacred stone "Ogyama-no-Shinseki," associated with the great god Sarutahiko. This sacred site is believed to be the seat of the divine descent and a sacred place for welcoming the gods from the land of the eternal world. Meotoiwa, a natural torii gate symbolizing the remote worship of Ogyama-no-Shinseki and the sunrise, stands approximately 9 meters tall on the male rock and 4 meters on the female rock. The two rocks are connected by a large rope called "Oshimenawa," stretching 35 meters across, creating a solemn and sacred scene. This site is not only a spiritual power spot but also a symbolic landmark representing the fusion of nature and faith in Japan.