MIE, May 02 (News On Japan) - The Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture has begun preparations for its next shikinen sengu, the ceremonial reconstruction of its shrine buildings and transfer of deities held once every 20 years. The process officially commenced on May 2nd with the Yamaguchi Festival, the first in a series of sacred rites.
Held at the Inner Shrine, the Yamaguchi Festival marks the beginning of the lead-up to the 2033 shikinen sengu. During this long-standing tradition, the shrine structures are rebuilt and the enshrined deities are ritually relocated to new sanctuaries, symbolizing spiritual renewal and continuity.
This centuries-old practice is regarded as one of Japan’s most important Shinto ceremonies, attracting national attention and participation. The festival schedule will continue to unfold over the coming years, culminating in the full reconstruction and transfer in 2033.
Commonly referred to simply as "Ise Jingu," the Ise Grand Shrine consists of two main shrines: the Inner Shrine (Naiku), dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and the Outer Shrine (Geku), dedicated to the deity of agriculture and industry, Toyouke. Amaterasu is considered the mythological ancestor of the Imperial family, which makes Ise a sacred site closely tied to Japan’s national identity and heritage.
What sets Ise apart is its shikinen sengu tradition, in which both the shrine buildings and sacred treasures are completely rebuilt every 20 years. This 1,300-year-old ritual represents the Shinto values of renewal, impermanence, and continuity, and it serves to transfer divine energy to freshly constructed spaces. Despite being newly rebuilt each time, the architecture remains faithful to the original style, preserving one of the oldest forms of Japanese design.
The shrine is not only a place of worship but also a major destination for pilgrims and tourists, attracting millions of visitors each year. Access to the most sacred areas is strictly limited to high-ranking priests and members of the Imperial family, underscoring the shrine’s deep cultural and religious significance.
Source: Kyodo
