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Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

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Please enter valid departure date. Funjet Value Flights Funjet Value Flights Additional Air Carriers What are Funjet Value Flights? Depart: Time: Any 12:00 am 1:00 am 2:00 am 3:00 am 4:00 am 5:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 11:00 pm Please enter dates in MM/DD/YY format. Please enter valid return date. The return date must be after the departure date. Number of Flight Stops: Any 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 -- Return: Time: Any 12:00 am 1:00 am 2:00 am 3:00 am 4:00 am 5:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 11:00 pm Adults: Ages of Children: Hotel selection may be limited due to hotel occupancy rules. To book multiple rooms call 1-888-558-6654. For 9 or more travelers more than one hotel room is needed. This requires two separate bookings. Call 1-888-558-6654 for help. 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Italy Travel

Delicious Italy - travel questions and indpendent visitor advice for holiday planning Find your Italian region ....................................... Abruzzo & Pescara Basilicata Calabria Campania & Naples Friuli Venezia Giulia Emilia Romagna & Bologna Lazio & Rome Liguria & Cinque Terre Lombardia & Milan Marche & Ancona Molise Puglia Piemonte & Turin Sicily Sardinia Tuscany Trentino Alto Adige Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto & Venice Search Delicious Italy ® Entire Site Products Services News & Events About us Search where? 10 25 50 100 Number of results per page ------------ Ranking Result Size Last Date updated Arrange in order ------------ Delicious Italy ® is compiled for anyone who enjoys eating and traveling well. Sample the latest food and tourism initiatives as well as our first hand suggestions for local restaurants, itineraries, tours, traditional events, authentic regional recipes and artisan products. info@deliciousitaly.com INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GUIDES Independent travel advice Whether you are planning a visit to Italy or are simply curious to ask a question about Italian food, regional culture and lifestyle, then we can point you in the right direction from our Rome base. Please read our disclaimer We want to keep this feedback service free and ask all readers to complete the form below. We can also only guarantee a reply if you join our mailing list . Please note that our feedback is designed to support your own research and we cannot forward telephone numbers, business addresses, specific timetables or travel brochures. All email addresses are treated with respect for the rules of privacy according to Legge 675/96. No personal information will be passed on to third parties without the written consent of the individual concerned. Business, press and media may also use the email on this page but do provide us with your name, organisation, location and contact number. Enter your travel question below Full name (*) Location (*) E-mail (*) I wish to join the mailing list Organisation Type Private Tour operator / Agency Press Request (*) (*) Compulsory © Delicious Italy s.r.l. All rights reserved. Hosted by Mondoweb s.r.l.

Chicago Vacation Packages Hotels

VirtualTourist.com - Vacation Deals and Specials - Chicago Vacation Deals and Specials around the world. Check prices and availibility from a selection of the best providers. member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights NEW! "Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums Vacation Deals and Specials - Chicago Travel Guide | Hotels | Flights | Forum | Top 5 Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » North America » United States of America » Illinois » Chicago Vacation Packages Hotels | Flights | Cars | Cruises | Vacations Top 5 Results for 'Chicago Vacation Packages' Chicago Vacation Package Special Travel Rates on Air, Hotels & More - Book Your Vacation Today! Chicago Travel Package Choose from Over 760 Destinations Vacation Package Savings-Hotels.com Marriott Chicago Hotels Official Site. Downtown, suburb & OHare Airport location. Book direct Build your Dream Vacation Select your Flight, Hotel & Extras Book with Expedia and Save! Special Vacation Package Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. More Results for 'Chicago Vacation Packages' Chicago Vacation Packages Shop and Compare Vacation Packages. Save up to 40% more at Priceline. The Belden-Stratford Chicago Lincoln Park landmark hotel packages currently available. Chicago Vacation Package Last Minute Vacations on Sale. Book Air, Hotel & Travel and Save. Find Vacation Deals Fly From: (city or airport code) Fly To: (city or airport code) Stay In This City: (optional) Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Travelers: 1 2 3 4 Vacation Search by OneTime.com Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Air Travel Toolkit was

ForumSoftware Titles on Air Travel, Hieroglyphs, Currency Converter, Font Tools Air Travel Toolkit - USA Don't board a commercial airliner without it! A travel toolkitfor the passenger & Travel Agent Try It! Download the Demo Buy the CD! only $12.00 + s&h Buy the Download! only $12.00 Did you know you enter into a "Contract" when you purchase your airline ticket? Did you know there are over 170 alternate airports that could get you to your destination at acheaper fare? Do you know what airport to use if you want to get to Freedom, Pennsylvania? Do you know what your airline ticket really says? Do you know the difference between direct andnon stop? Features: ScreenShots: » Calculate and track your airlinemileage, includes over 8500 city pairs See the Airline Mileage Screen » Find the nearest airport to more than10,000 U.S. cities, from the smallest to the largest See the Airport Finder Screen » Airline tickets are money!! Do you knowwhat that piece of paper you just paid hundreds of dollars for really says? See the Airline Ticket Tutorial Screen Air Travel Toolkit was created byairline personnel with a combined total of over 80 years experience working for the major airlines! » Have you ever heard of the "Contract ofCarriage"? Every airline has one, and each airline you fly has different contracts. See the Contract of Carriage Screen » Save time and money by arriving at analternate airport. Air Travel Toolkit - USA lists over 170 alternate airports you can use. See the Alternate Airport Screen » Includes over 560 official 3letter airport codes » Includes an airline glossary,phonetic alphabet, 24 hour clock chart Read the review the Jerusalem Postgave to Air Travel Toolkit - USA Air Travel Toolkit - USA was given a 5 star rating onFileTransit Receive a FREE GIFT: an Aviation Phonetic Alphabet and 24 Hour Clock Quick Reference card when you order Air Travel Toolkit - USA on CD-Rom. Order Air Travel Toolkit - USA now for only $12.00 Background color might vary from that shown.