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The 63rd Ise Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu
Japan's largest Shinto ritual that lasts more than 1,300 years
At Ise Grand Shrine, a ritual called "Shikinen Sengu" is held once every 20 years.
This is one of the most important rituals in Japan where God is transferred to a new shrine, and it has been a tradition that has been around for about 1,300 years.
It features not only the shrine, but also treasures, sacred tools, costumes, etc., and is known as an important ritual that inherits traditional Japanese techniques and culture to the future.
Various festivals will begin in 2025, and the climax of the 63rd Shikinen Sengu will be reached in 2033.
What is Shikinen Sengu?
"Ceremonial year" refers to the designated year, and "Sengu" refers to the transfer of the shrine.
At Ise Grand Shrine, a new shrine will be built on the site adjacent to each of Naiku (Kotaijingu) and Geku (Toyo'uke-daijingu), and God will be transferred to the new shrine every 20 years.
In addition to the shrine, all sacred treasures and costumes can be rebuilt.
As a result, Japanese traditional techniques and Shinto culture will be passed on to the next generation.
The Shikinen Sengu is not a single ceremony, but 33 festivals and events are held over about eight years.
The main events include the following.
・Yamaguchi-sai Festival
・Kimoto-sai Festival
・Mihishirogi Hoei
・Kihiki events
・Oshiroishimochi Event
Then, in 2033, the "Transfer Ceremony" to move God to a new shrine will be held, and the Shikinen Sengu will reach its climax.
Kihiki events
The Kibiki event will begin in earnest in 2026.
The "Okihiki Event", which is held in conjunction with the Shikinen Sengu Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, is a traditional event in which Ise people pull the materials used for building the shrine to the shrine.
This is a folk event in Ise that has been going on for more than 550 years, and many citizens participate together with woodworking songs and shouts, and the whole town is filled with enthusiasm.
■The first ceremony of Miki-hiki (Yuki-hiki)
This is a ceremony that tells the beginning of the kihiki event, and we pray for the safety of the event by pulling wood called Yakugi.
▼Schedule
April 12, 2026 Hikawa Hiki
April 13, 2026 Rikuhiki
■The first kihiki event (rikihiki)
This is an event where towns in Ise City pull and carry the materials dedicated to the outer shrine with ropes.
You can see a powerful towing in the city of Ise.
▼Schedule
May 9 to June 13, 2026
■The first kihiki event (Kawahiki)
This is an event where you can pull in materials dedicated to Naiku using Isuzugawa.
You can see a traditional sight of transporting wood using the river.
▼Schedule
From July 25 to August 2, 2026
The Shikinen Sengu period is a special time when many worshipers from all over Japan visit Ise.
You can experience the history of Ise Grand Shrine and the spiritual culture of Japan, as well as experience the unusual charm of Ise-Shima, such as local festivals and traditional events.
Until then, various festivals and preparations will be held at Ise Grand Shrine, which will be a special period where you can experience traditional Japanese culture.
When visiting Ise-Shima, be sure to visit Ise Grand Shrine, which symbolizes the history and spiritual culture of Japan.
Basic information
- Official website
- https://www.isejingu.or.jp/sengu/index.html
