Ise Jingu is the reason people come to Ise. Its two main sanctuaries, Geku and Naiku, sit about 6 km apart and are linked by bus and pilgrimage tradition. Visitors cannot enter the innermost sacred spaces, but the gravel paths, plain timber buildings, and deep forest make the restraint part of the experience.
Naiku is the more important sanctuary, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Geku is closer to Ise Station and is dedicated to Toyouke, the deity of food, clothing, and shelter. Together they give Ise a scale and seriousness that ordinary shrine towns do not have.