#Japan #Digital Art #JTB #Ise #Ise Sea Paradise

New Digital Art Experience Enhancing Ise Pilgrimage

JTB Corporation, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is collaborating with Ise Couple Rock Paradise to introduce a groundbreaking digital art initiative at Ise Sea Paradise, a zero-distance aquarium located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. Scheduled to launch on March 1, 2026, this initiative aims to offer a unique pilgrimage experience tied to the rich traditions of the region, with a particular focus on the historic ritual of "Hama Sangū."

The project also features contributions from prestigious companies such as NTT ArtTechnology and NAKED, INC., who are involved in exhibition planning and content creation. The goal is to enhance awareness of the traditional "Hama Sangū" pilgrimage route leading to Ise Shrine and promote tourism throughout Ise City. By evolving the experience every three years, JTB envisions a sustainable influx of visitors, positioning this project as a model for touristic digital transformation across the entire Ise-Shima region.

Background and Objectives

With the Ise Shrine's "Shikinen Sengu" (a notable ceremonial renewal) set for 2033, an increase in visitors from both domestic and international spheres is anticipated. However, the historical draw of Ise Shrine, particularly the Inner Shrine, often leads to congestion and limited visitor spending in surrounding areas.

In response to these challenges, JTB initiated the "ISE Digital ART PROJECT." This project aims to rediscover and communicate the cultural significance of the sacred pilgrimage route, starting with the cleansing ritual at Futamigaura and progressing to the Ise Shrine. The initiative seeks to extend tourists' movements from the Shrine area into the broader Ise City, thereby increasing their stay duration and spending.

Project Overview

At the heart of this initiative, digital art will be projected over the main tank at Ise Sea Paradise, adjacent to Futamigaura's Futamigaura Shrine, where the pilgrimage begins.

Theme:

"The Sea of Prayers, A Light's Path - The Ise Journey Through Time"

The content will intricately narrate the significance of the sea in Ise faith and the historical bustling atmosphere of past pilgrims traveling to Ise Shrine during the Edo period. The presentation will guide the visitors through the historical pilgrimage route beginning at Futamigaura, addressing purification rituals before visiting the Outer and Inner Shrines, inviting deeper appreciation of the spiritual journey.

The unique combination of live marine life in the huge tank alongside profound visuals and curated music promises to create an immersive experience, allowing guests to virtually relive the profound essence of pilgrimage in Ise.

Roles of Participating Companies:

• - JTB: Overseeing the entire project, promoting awareness, and curating travel packages related to the initiative.
• - Ise Sea Paradise: Facility provision and on-site management of the digital art experience.
• - NTT ArtTechnology: Selecting cultural assets related to Ise for digitization and creative exhibit design.
• - NAKED, INC.: Leveraging their expertise in creating engaging digital narratives to provide enriching content that resonates with the aquarium’s ambience.

Future Developments

This initiative is intended to sustain continuous efforts leading to the Shikinen Sengu in 2033, incorporating updated content every three years. The vision extends towards broader tourism initiatives encompassing adjacent areas from the Outer Shrine to Toba and Shima, contributing to sustainable tourism development for the Ise-Shima region as a whole.