Jingu Museum

Jingu Chokokan, Japan’s first private museum founded in 1909, is a museum that introduces the festivals of Ise Jingu, its history, and the culture of Ise. Much of the museum was destroyed by fire during the war in 1945, but it was rebuilt in 1953 for the 59th Shikinen Sengu. Inside the two-story building, the exhibits are divided into five areas by theme, and a collection of about 13,000 items is held and displayed, including archaeology and fine arts and crafts, among them 11 nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. In particular, the treasures known as "Oshozoku Shinpo," newly prepared and dedicated to the deities for the once-every-20-years Shikinen Sengu, are a must-see highlight. On the same grounds are the Jingu Agricultural Museum, known as Japan’s first industrial museum and rich in natural science materials, and the Jingu Art Museum, which displays works dedicated to Ise Jingu by artists, with good-value combined admission tickets also available. Located about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Ise Jingu’s Naiku and Geku, it’s a great place to stop after worship to deepen your knowledge of Ise’s spiritual heritage.