high-status Shinto shrine; imperial shrine
Refers to a Shinto shrine with a special connection to the imperial family, often enshrining an imperial ancestor or a deity closely associated with the imperial line. Also used as a suffix in shrine names.
Meiji Jingu is a famous imperial shrine in Tokyo.
神宮は一般の神社より格式が高いとされる。
Jingu are considered to have higher status than ordinary shrines.
Ise Grand Shrine
Specifically refers to Ise Jingu, the most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Often used without qualification when context is clear.
See also: 伊勢神宮
神宮では二十年ごとに式年遷宮が行われる。
At Ise Grand Shrine, the Shikinen Sengu ceremony is held every twenty years.
I visited the shrine on New Year's Day.