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What is Shikinen Sengu?
Shikinen Sengu is the rebuilding and relocation of a shrine at set intervals (specified years). Kamo Mioyajin's two main buildings are registered as national treasures, and its 53 shrine buildings are important cultural properties. Since it is not possible to replace everything, our basic policy is to carry out repairs such as re-thatching the roof, repairing metal fittings, and repainting the lacquer.
Why relocate?
Japanese shrines have had a long-standing philosophy of "respecting new things," and Kamomioya Shrine has handed down the idea of "Miare" (life) as a belief unique to Kamo Shinto. All things wax and wane, and the power that gives birth to all life amid the changing of the seasons and dawn and dusk is "Miare." "Miare" represents a constant state of strength and purity fueled by new vitality, and in this philosophy, the deterioration of shrine buildings represents impurity. The Shikinen Sengu is an important ritual that renews these things and revitalizes the divine life force.
Kamomioya Shrine performs a Sengu ceremony every 21 years. It began in 1036 (the 9th year of the Chōgen era) during the Heian period, when Emperor Goichijō established the Shikinen Sengu system for the first time. As recorded in the historical record "Hyakurensho," "The Kamo Shrine's main Sengu is regularly held once every 20 years," the ceremony was originally held every 20 years. However, due to wars, famines, and natural disasters, the period has sometimes extended to 30 or even 50 years. Even as times change, the shrine has always been protected through national crises, and today, the system has evolved to a 21-year period. The 35th Shikinen Sengu ceremony in 2036 (Reiwa 18) will be an important ceremony marking the 1,000th anniversary of Emperor Goichijō's decree.
The Shikinen Sengu Continuation Project has begun
The upcoming 35th Sengu will mark 2,126 years since the Sengu system began in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Sujin (around 90 BC), making it the 60th Sengu in total. It will also mark exactly 1,000 years since Emperor Goichijo issued an imperial decree to establish the Shikinen system on April 13, 1036 (the 9th year of the Chogen era) during the Heian period. This will therefore mark the 35th Sengu in total.
Main contents
Repair of two main halls designated as national treasures and 53 shrine buildings designated as important cultural properties
Renewal or repair of sacred treasures such as costumes and furnishings