From more than a millennium ago, once every 20 years the Shinto sanctuary of Ise Jingu is demolished and rebuilt, as a symbol of the Shinto belief of impermanence, death and renewal.

The same custom is practiced, at a smaller scale, at the Kasuga-taisha in Nara. Here, once every 20 years, the shrine buildings are renovated, the 60th renovation taking place right now, scheduled to be finalized in the autumn.

Kasuga-taisha, Nara

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Mikoshi parade