The "Onshi" were instrumental in supporting the flourishing pilgrimage to Ise. They welcomed pilgrims from all over Japan, handling everything from lodging and meals to arranging prayers. This special feature explores the culture of hospitality preserved in the Onshi residences and the history of Ise's faith and travel that connected people.
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"A pilgrimage to Ise Shrine should be made at least once in a lifetime."
For hundreds of years, there have been people who have supported such dream journeys.
Those were the "Onshi," who spread the faith in Ise Grand Shrine throughout Japan and supported people's pilgrimages.
The origins of the Oshi (religious guides) date back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that they originally began with some Shinto priests involved in prayers at the Ise Grand Shrine who traveled throughout the country carrying amulets from the shrine, spreading the faith of the shrine to the people. By distributing amulets, they formed connections with people, and eventually each Oshi came to have their own parishioners.
The relationships forged with the parishioners in this way not only involved the bestowal of amulets, but also served as a catalyst for people to visit Ise. When parishioners came to worship, the Oshi (religious guides) welcomed them into their homes, providing lodging and meals, and guiding them through worship at the shrine and the offering of sacred dances. The Oshi's home served as a safe and secure base for worshippers, and also as a center of faith.
During the Edo period, with the stabilization of society, pilgrimages to Ise became widespread among ordinary people. Many people visited Ise relying on Oshi (religious guides), and the number increased dramatically. Oshi came to play an important role in supporting the pilgrimage, acting as a link between the shrine and its parishioners spread throughout the country.
These activities were deeply intertwined with the town of Ise, and laid the foundation for Ise's prosperity as a "town of pilgrimage."
One of the main roles of the Oshi (religious guides) was to visit parishioners throughout the country and bestow amulets and calendars from Ise Grand Shrine. These amulets were important symbols of the shrine's protection and helped people feel closer to Ise.
Furthermore, when parishioners visited Ise, they were welcomed into their homes, and accommodation and meals were provided. In addition, they facilitated the performance of sacred dances and prayers at the shrine, and guided visitors, supporting the smooth progress of the pilgrimage.
In this way, the Oshi (religious guides) played an important role in connecting people with the shrine, not only by spreading faith through the distribution of amulets, but also by welcoming worshippers and taking care of prayers and worship services.
The activities of the Oshi (religious guides) are deeply intertwined with the development of the town of Ise.
To accommodate pilgrims, the residences of the Oshi (religious guides) were large enough to house many people. These residences were concentrated in areas such as Fukiage-cho around the Outer Shrine, forming a townscape known as "Oshi-machi," and during the pilgrimage season, people from all over the country would stay there, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Welcoming and seeing off visitors from afar.
The Oshi (religious guides) connected parishioners from various regions with Ise, supporting the movement of people and laying the foundation for Ise's development as a pilgrimage destination.
Visiting Ise Grand Shrine was a great wish for people all over Japan.
However, at that time, a pilgrimage to Ise was not a journey that everyone could easily undertake.
People planned their pilgrimages to the shrine through their connections with the Oshi (religious guides), and they visited the shrine while staying at the Oshi's residence.
The Oshi (religious guides) played a crucial role in supporting the pilgrimage by acting as intermediaries for the offering of sacred dances and providing accommodation for the pilgrims.
The Oshi (religious guides) traveled throughout Japan, building relationships with parishioners and spreading the faith of the Ise Grand Shrine. When it was time for pilgrimages, they would welcome the parishioners into their homes and take on all the responsibility of caring for them during their stay.
At the residences of the Shinto priests, sacred dances were performed and meals were offered, making the pilgrimage not merely a journey, but a sacred experience deeply etched in people's hearts.
Thus, the Oshi (religious guides) were important figures who connected the shrine with the people and played a central role in supporting the culture of pilgrimage to Ise.
Pilgrimages to Ise were supported not only by individual worshippers but also by the faith of local people. In various regions, groups called "ko" were formed, and "daisan" (proxy pilgrimages) were performed by representatives of these groups. These proxy pilgrims would visit the Oshi (religious guide), worship at the shrine, and bring back amulets and souvenirs to distribute to the members of the group.
Furthermore, the pilgrimage to Ise included "branch pilgrimages," where they visited various temples and shrines along the way, allowing them to visit many places of worship during their long journey.
During the Edo period, group pilgrimages known as "Okage-mairi" became popular. This type of pilgrimage spread explosively among common people, with many people heading to Ise. These pilgrims also stayed at the residences of Oshi (religious guides) while making their pilgrimage.
The Oshi (religious guides) supported pilgrimages to the shrine through their relationships with religious groups and parishioners, and continued to connect people with the shrine.
Among the stories passed down through generations of people making pilgrimages to shrines and temples, there is the legend of the "Okage Dog."
It is said that dogs traveled to Ise in place of people who were unable to make the pilgrimage due to illness or other circumstances, and they were sent off with a note around their necks detailing travel expenses and prayers.
It is said that along the way, strangers helped each other, providing food and water, and sending each other on to their next destinations.
This image of a dog offering prayers can be seen as one form of "proxy worship."
The Oshi's residence served as a base for receiving pilgrims. It was equipped with a large room and designed to accommodate many people.
At the Oshi residences, in addition to providing accommodation and meals, preparations for the Kagura (sacred dance) performances were also made. Pilgrims enjoyed their time in Ise, receiving hospitality from the Oshi as they made their pilgrimage.
At the Oshi residence, arrangements were being made for sacred dances to be performed for the worshippers.
Mikagura is a form of musical and dance performance, such as singing and dancing, used to express gratitude to the gods in front of the shrine.
Many Oshi residences did not have dedicated Kagura halls; instead, Kagura performances were held in rooms or halls that were set up in the hall. It is said that the craftsmen who performed the Kagura would visit the Oshi residences and offer Kagura there for the worshippers.
It is said that many parishioners who performed sacred dances were found in eastern Japan, and among them, the sacred dance performed at the Mikkaichi Taifu residence on New Year's Day is said to have lasted for more than two hours.
And what made our stay at the Oshi residence so special was the food.
A plain wooden tray was prepared for the worshippers, laden with dishes featuring ingredients from the sea and mountains of Ise.
The restaurant was designed to satisfy both visitors from coastal areas and those from mountainous regions, suggesting that each visitor found the meal fresh and memorable.
Furthermore, for locals, it was sometimes the opportunity to be offered sake they had never tasted before. This kind of culinary hospitality not only soothed the fatigue of their long journey but also enriched their time in Ise.
With the Meiji Restoration, changes in the system brought an end to the role of the Shinto priests (Oshi).
However, that history still lives on in the town of Ise.
Of the remains of the Oshi (religious guide) residences, only a very small number still exist within the city.
Although there are examples of gates and other structures being relocated and preserved, with the exception of the Maruoka Daifu Residence and the Higashi Daifu Residence, there are very few examples of the original Oshi residences that remain as buildings.
The Maruoka Daifu Residence is a valuable historical site that preserves the history of the Shinto priests.
In addition, at the adjacent "Okubun," you can enjoy recreated Oshi cuisine and experience a glimpse of the hospitality of the Oshi.
At Okubun, a long-established restaurant founded in 26, you can enjoy "Oshi cuisine," which is a recreation of the meals served at the Oshi no Yakata (Maruoka Taifu Residence).
*This service is only available through Oshi tours or group reservations.
The site of the former residence of Mikkaichi-daibu, located near the Outer Shrine. (Photo courtesy of Ise City Cultural Policy Division)
The remains of the former Mikkaichi Hyobu Residence, an earthen wall, stand in front of the current Ise City Hall parking lot.
It allows us to recall the lives of the Oshi (religious guides) who lived in the past and welcomed many pilgrims.
This library, established by the Hayashizaki family of Shinto priests, houses valuable texts of the Ise Grand Shrine. It serves as a testament to the role the priests played in the center of faith and scholarship.
This district flourished as a wholesale area and was one of the towns that supported pilgrims visiting Ise Shrine. Buildings that retain the atmosphere of yesteryear line the streets, allowing visitors to experience Ise during the time of the Shinto priests.
Other,Mie Prefecture Cultural Properties pageHowever, it provides detailed information about facilities associated with the Oshi (religious guides).
Please have a look.
With the Meiji Restoration, the system of Shinto priests came to an end due to changes in the social system. However, the spirit of welcoming people and conveying the charm of Ise lives on as part of the town's culture.
The sites of the Oshi (religious guides) residences and related documents have been carefully preserved, making them invaluable resources for conveying the history of Ise.
In recent years, Ise Yuto has been active in carrying on the spirit of the Oshi (religious guides) into the modern age.
Ise Yuito acts as guides, connecting visitors to Ise with the town and conveying its history and charm. The role of "connecting people with Ise," which was once played by the Oshi (religious guides), continues to thrive in modern times, albeit in a different form.
On April 25, 2026, the Ise City History Museum, which will introduce the history and culture of the Oshi (pilgrimage guides), will open.
This will become a new hub for passing on the history and culture of Ise City to future generations, and a place where people can gain a deeper understanding of the origins of Ise through the materials and stories of the Oshi (religious guides).
The Ise City History Museum will open on the second floor of the North Building of the Ise Citizens' Activity Center.
For more details, please visit the Ise City website.
Opening date and time: April 25th, 4:13 PM
The Oshi (pilgrimage guides) have supported the pilgrimage to Ise, receiving the hopes and dreams of many people. Their legacy still lives on in this town today.
Why not take a trip to places associated with the Shinto priests and reflect on the history of Ise?
References
• Exhibition catalog "The Town of Ise and the Oshi (Shinto priests)"
