Ise Jingu: The Shinto Shrine Rebuilt Every 20 Years for Over a Millennium
Ise Jingu, the holiest Shinto shrine in Japan, has stood at the center of an extraordinary tradition. For over 1300 years, its buildings, artifacts, and ritual objects have been ceremonially rebuilt every 20 years in a process known as Shikinen Sengu. The cycle reflects deep Shinto beliefs in impermanence, renewal, and respect for craftsmanship. The…