We
now proceed down the white gravel path to the main sanctuary, passing under
more torii and always surrounded by the towering Japanese cypress
trees for which Ise is so famous. This shows the Japanese preference for
a natural, wooded setting for their shrines, although it seems also fair
to note that many of these trees have been planted when older ones die;
in fact much of the entire cypress forest surrounding Ise is man-made.
But the effect is unstudied and spontaneous, making Ise one of the most
spectacular natural settings in all Japan.