Everywhere in the world, the old sanctuaries and places of worship are carefully preserved, conserved and protected. Of course, the same is true for Japan… with one huge exception - the Ise Jingū, the most venerable shrine in Japan. Here, every 20 years, takes place a unique ritual, Shikinen-Sengu, the replacement of the old sanctuary: new buildings are raised and after the deity is installed in the new shrine, the old one is demolished… Dating back for over 1300 years, Shikinen-Sengu signifies the Shinto belief of impermanence and the death and renewal of nature, and this year, this great ritual will be performed for the 62nd time.

Since this is the most sacred place in Japan, photography is not allowed, so all I can show you is the entrance to the Shrine’s courtyard. And to the left of the photo you can see a glimpse of the scaffolding covering the new buildings, currently under construction…

Naiku (Inner Shrine), Ise Jingu, Ise

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese castle garden