Ise-Shima National Park, Toyouke Great Shrine (Gegu) (Japan)
Ise-Shima National Park encompasses most of the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. The area has an abundance of fish, shellfish and other foods, and was once called Miketsu Kuni, meaning “providers of food to the imperial court.” It still feels like a sacred place and is home to some of Japan’s most ancient and revered Shinto shrines, including this one, the Outer Shrine (外宮), one of two main shrines making up the Ise Shrines. Formally known as the Toyouke Daijingu, the Outer Shrine enshrines Toyouke Omikami, the Shinto deity and guardian of food, housing and clothing. Unused, older B&W card with Japanese caption on the reverse. Grade: 1