伊勢神宮 (外宮) 令和7年10月16日・祭主黒田清子様がご奉仕 神嘗祭 奉幣・Kanname-sai, Ise Shrine, Outer Shrine (Gekū), Japan

伊勢神宮 (外宮) 令和7年10月16日・祭主黒田清子様がご奉仕 神嘗祭 奉幣・Kanname-sai, Ise Shrine, Outer Shrine (Gekū), Japan

We have just entered the grounds of the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū) in Mie prefecture. The Outer Shrine is officially known as “Toyouke Daijingū”, but is more commonly referred to as “Gekū”. This shrine is dedicated to the food goddess, Toyoukebime, who offers sacred food to the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Ōmikami. Today, a Shinto ceremony known as “Hōhei no Gi”, which is part of the festival known as “Kanname-sai”, will be held here. The man carrying the drum announces the commencement of festivals at Ise Grand Shrine. The procession now continues on to the Main Sanctuary of the Outer Shrine. The Kanname-sai Festival is held between October 15 and 17 each year, to offer the first harvest of seasonal crops to the Shinto Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami. It is one of the most important events at Ise Grand Shrine. An imperial messenger, acting on behalf of the Japanese Emperor, brings an offering of newly-harvested rice, as well as seasonal fabrics and other materials, to Ise Shrine. The procession, led by a Shrine Guard (known variously as”Eishi” or “Eshi”) is proceeding to the Main Sanctuary (called “Shōgu”). The lady dressed in red and white is Sayako Kuroda, the sister of Emperor Naruhito. She is participating in today’s ceremony in her role as the Supreme Priestess of Ise Grand Shrine. Sayako Kuroda visits Ise Grand Shrine several times a year to participate in ceremonies, as the representative of the Japanese Emperor. The procession is now entering the Main Sanctuary, where the “Hōhei” ceremony will take place, lasting for more than a hour. Members of the general public are allowed to observe the ceremony, but filming inside the sanctuary is strictly forbidden. The ceremony is now over, so the participants leave the Main Sanctuary.

祭主黒田清子様がご奉仕 – 伊勢神宮(外宮）神嘗祭 (令和7年10月16日) 奉幣の参進

The younger sister of Emperor Naruhito, Sayako Kuroda (formerly known as Princess Nori), participating in the “Kanname-sai” Festival (“Hōhei” Ceremony) at Ise Grand Shrine, Outer Shrine (Gekū). She is an imperial Shinto priestess of the Grand Shrine, and currently serves as the Supreme Priestess.

#japaneseculture #伊勢神宮 #japanesefestival