Updated 23 September 2025 at 15:52 IST
8 Fascinating Facts You Need to Know About Japan's Most Sacred Shrine That Is Completely Torn Down and Remade Every 20 Years
Discover 8 incredible facts about Ise Jingu, Japan's sacred shrine rebuilt every 20 years, exploring its rituals, history, and timeless renewal.
Ise Jingu has been rebuilt from scratch every 20 years for over 1,300 years.
Image: APThe shrine’s rebuilding ritual is called Shikinen Sengū.
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The inner shrine honors Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess.
Image: APConstruction lasts about nine years and costs about $390 million.
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The 125 shrine buildings and 1,500 objects are remade in every cycle.
Image: APEvery rebuilding involves new generations learning ancient techniques.
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33 ceremonies and festivals accompany each rebuilding, ending with a sacred ritual.
Image: APAmazingly, the shrine’s 1,300-year rebuilding tradition has been interrupted just two times—once during civil wars in the 15th-16th centuries and once following World War II.
Image: APPublished By : Avipsha Sengupta
Published On: 23 September 2025 at 15:39 IST