Do you know about Saio, the sacred princesses who served at Ise Jingu Shrine for hundreds of years? You can learn about the lives and culture of the Saio through a visit to historical sites, museums, and hands-on facilities in Meiwa Town, the location of the Saikū Palace where they once lived. Conveniently located between Ise and Matsuzaka, the town of Meiwa in is hosting the from September to December, with an exciting array of curated tours and experiences centered around Meiwa’s unique royal history. It’s an easy trip from Osaka or Nagoya — well worth adding to your itinerary.
The Saio were unmarried female members of the imperial family who served as priestesses to the sun goddess Amaterasu at . This tradition was established in the late seventh century and continued for approximately 660 years, with more than 60 princesses serving as Saio during this time. Saio were chosen whenever a new emperor ascended the throne, and would leave their families to live at the Saikū Palace.
Their most important duties were to participate in three major festivals at Ise Jingu shrine each year. However, the majority of their time was spent living a refined yet isolated life, where their activities included praying, writing poetry, and reading stories. The Saio were forbidden to fall in love or marry, and were only released from their services if they or a close family member became very ill, or when a new emperor came to the throne.
After the Saio system ended in the early 13th .