The Shikinen Sengu ceremony involves the complete reconstruction of the main hall and the replacement of all sacred treasures every two decades.
The wood used for the shrine's reconstruction is Japanese cypress (hinoki), sourced from protected forests in the Kiso region.
The mirrors kept inside the sanctuary are considered one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.
The architecture follows an ancient design that predates the introduction of Buddhist temple styles in Japan.
The inner sanctuary is separated from public viewing areas by a series of four wooden fences, ensuring deep privacy for the deity.
The Uji Bridge is rebuilt every 20 years using wood salvaged from the previous shrine's main structure.
Kotai Jingu, known as the Naiku, is the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. The current structure is the latest iteration of the Shikinen Sengu tradition, where the shrine is ritually rebuilt on an adjacent plot every 20 years. The complex centers on a wooden architecture style called Shinmei-zukuri, characterized by its elevated floor, thatched roof, and absence of nails or paint. Visitors enter via the iconic Uji Bridge, which spans the Isuzu River, marking the transition from the secular to the sacred realm. Photography is strictly prohibited beyond a certain point near the main sanctuary to preserve the sanctity of the site. The grounds are covered in ancient Japanese cedar trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. The Inner Sanctuary is the primary destination of a broader pilgrimage circuit that includes 125 individual shrines within the Ise Jingu complex. The site maintains a minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing natural materials and cyclic renewal.
The view of the Uji Bridge from the banks of the Isuzu River.
Walk along the Isuzu River bank for a more secluded and tranquil experience away from the main gravel paths.
Visit the Okage Yokocho district located outside the shrine entrance to experience traditional architecture and regional Ise cuisine.
Wear comfortable, flat footwear as the complex requires significant walking on loose gravel paths.
Taking photos beyond the designated points, as this is strictly forbidden and monitored by guards.
Open daily throughout the year with no seasonal closures; however, visitation hours adjust slightly with the seasons.
Maintain a quiet tone throughout the grounds; perform the ritual purification at the water pavilion; bowing is standard before the shrine gates; do not step on the wooden threshold of gates.
