As one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Ise Grand Shrine and the entire Ise area are one of the highest-level Shinto holy places in Japan. Ise Grand Shrine is divided into two shrines, the inner and outer shrines. Relatively speaking, the inner shrine is older and more natural, and it is built in the mountains and is more peaceful, while the outer shrine is built in the city, very close to the station, and more lively. The distance between the two sides is several kilometers, and it is definitely impossible to walk down by foot.
Unlike the inner shrine, which worships Amaterasu, the outer shrine worships Toyouke Oomikami, a god in charge of food, and the level is different, so strictly speaking, the most authentic Ise still has to go to the inner shrine.
Ise Outer Shrine has convenient transportation. There is a direct approach to the outer shrine from the JR station that leads directly to the shrine, which takes about ten minutes to walk.
In terms of scale, the outer shrine is still average, but the several halls are relatively scattered, mainly because the main shrine and two detached shrines are far apart, and one is even halfway up the mountain. Whether it is the main shrine, the Wind Shrine, or the Taga Shrine, they are all very small and more authentic.
Like the Inner Palace, there are many old trees in the Outer Palace, and the small stones on the ground are also very neatly arranged. It is said that the stones on the ground also have a history and cannot be picked up casually, but now it is different from before. They have been changed into super large stones. I believe no one will pick them up. It is recommended to spend less than an hour to take a look before going to the Inner Palace. The souvenirs here are relatively better to buy in the Inner Palace.