Follow up visit: Ise Grand Shrine - Inner Shrine

With only half a day to spare last trip, I was only able to loiter around the outer shrine (the inner shrine is a bit farther from public transportation). After working 8 days straight, I was granted a precious day off to recuperate. Since I usually have overly optimistic shopping goals for my day flying out of NRT (which is usually in the afternoon, but after sleeping in a bit, I only have max 1 hr to shop at Tokyo station...), I decided to venture away from the big city and complete the Ise Shrine tour. Plus I really wanted to see the sacred Isuzu River and Uji-Bridge that separates the 2 worlds.

The day started off great with brilliant sunshine. But alas, I spent those precious sunny hours rolling around in bed, refusing to get up. By the time I finished breakfast, the sky has already turned into an ominous grey. Unfortunately the all-too-chirpy me was oblivious to the change and bounced my way to the train station (finally heading to a different direction this time!) Since I was already staying in the suburbs in Mie Prefecture, Ise Shrine itself is within 1 hr traveling time (the hotel I was staying at also hosts plenty of Shrine-goers on the weekend) This time I skipped Ise-city and got off at Isuzugawa station. The sacred river follows the pathway to the Shrine (about 30-min walk away)

I bumped into this classical looking house against the backdrop of a green misty mountain. As I started working on it though, raindrops started falling unmercifully. I had to quickly scribble while the rain eases slightly, but most of the time I was just dodging rain drops by angling my sketchbook upright. I was not caught by the owner of the house...but I did anger some passing motorists, because I was taking space away from an already narrow road.

As I was walking aside Isuzu-River towards the Shrine ground, the rain started picking up so I decided to rest under the bridge (Thank you, bridge) to dry myself up a bit. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately) the rain went on for a long time, so I expanded my drawing from just a few buildings, to more buildings on the right, and finally the bridge also. (while I observe families running for cover and dads scrambling to drive the cars around to pick up their families under the bridge) By the time I was putting on finishing touches, the rain still hasn't let up, so I ended up just walking in the rain with no umbrella or hood (not a wise idea since my throat started itching by the evening even after soaking in the hot spring)

The bridge looked impressive even in the dreadful weather. I really hoped that I had time to dot in the details, but with the uncertainty of the weather I went ahead full speed getting the picture together as fast as I could. I'm glad the Shrine cut open a viewing spot for the bridge, because the lower grounds on the other sides were all off limits. When I walked into the area there was just a tourist group heading in for a group photo and one gentleman promptly handed me the camera. I was glad to help out, but as I held up the camera I came to the horrific realization that I have no idea what the Japanese usually say when taking pictures!!? I remember it is something to do with "Cheese", but had no idea how the rhythm works... so I awkwardly started counting down with "Three, Two, One" Fortunately everyone just went with the flow and nobody questioned my weird countdown. It was also super awkward when I say I'd go for a second take and the digital camera took a long time to load up again. The point-and-shoot camera is truly a relic only available in Japan nowadays.

At long last (at least a 15 min walk from the bridge) I arrived at the Main Shrine of the Inner Shrine of the Ise Grand Shrine (believe me it sounded simpler in Japanese). The long flight of stone stairs leading up the Shrine was truly impressive. Most of the people are crowding on top of stairs so it is still possible to enjoy the view from down below. By this time the rain has (strangely) let up, so I did another quick piece while taking a rest from all the walking.

Weekend of Shrines! Tsubaki Grand Shrine & Ise Grand Shrine

Never thought I would say this Japan, but I wish I had a car this time. The shrine that I wanted to visit is at most 40 min drive from Nagoya, but by public transit and it took at least 2:30 hrs on way. Not to mention that bus departs from the shrine only once every 2 hours. (And yes, I was running for that returning bus without having time to screw on my water jar or put away my brushes) 

Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Tsubaki Ookami Yashiro)

Location: Suzuka, Mie Prefecture

The was already a guy sitting in front of the main shrine and painting when I arrived by bus at ~11am. I sort of camped myself behind the Torii gate to get away from the sun and to draw in the huge trees leading the way to the shrine. I think everyone who passed by assumed that the other guy and I know each other (one even went as far as to ask the other guy if he knows me lol, I think he might be a little creeped out seeing that he's being secretly observed from behind) For a long weekend, the shrine did not have as many visitors as I would imagined (meaning I don't need to fight for a place to stand unlike in most Kyoto shrines haha) The staffs also said hi to us on their way in and out.

The stone stairs and statues were interesting against the light, so I did a full piece on the side shrine.

There was a small shrine on top of the hill behind the main shrine, but unfortunately I did not find a good view on it (most of the overlook was covered by foliages...) I also lost my Suica card of 10 years while hiking up the stairs to the shrine... (I was probably taking out my phone while it slipped out of my back pocket) Attempting search for the card, I also hiked up the stairs up and down a second time. The consequence was my limping on my way to work for the next week while my muscles recuperate from the unexpected hard labour. Aaanway, I found the above nice scene while strolling around the small town next to the shrine. It was a small tea plant at the foot of the mountain. You could see how rushed I was from the messed up perspective on the right ;A; And to be honest, I finished up most of the painting after getting back to Nagoya because I had to run for the bus half way through it... Priorities, lol

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)

Location: Ise, Mie Prefecture

I went on to visit Ise Shrine the last day (Monday) of the long weekend. Unfortunately I only had time to swing by the outer shrine before I need to go back to work in the afternoon... Anyhow, it was enough time to squeeze two drawings in and get a decent lunch!

After hearing about the horror stories of the crowds at Ise Shrine, I was pleasantly surprised by the general lack of people in the outer shrine (granted it was still much more crowded than Tsubaki) The most interesting thing was definitely the white curtain that hangs in the centre of the shrines, so that when the wind blows through it, people could catch a quick glimpse of the inside (where the deities reside) But more over, the motion of the curtain gives an impression that there is some unseen force behind it.

A close-up of one the shrines in the outer area. More the scenery itself, I clearly remember the cicadas screaming in the woods behind me. Until now I didn't know that they could start and stop in waves. Usually one or two starts, then the chorus builds up in a matter of seconds, completely drowning any surrounding sounds. I couldn't remember how long each waves lasted, but when they fade out in a matter of seconds, it also felt like an awkward silence has befallen the shrine lol

Anyhow, after seeing the unique style of the Ise Shrine buildings on Begin Japanology, I definitely wanted to capture at least one of those unique rooftops. So, mission accomplished!