Shikinen

Shikinen, written 式年 in Japanese, is a term used in Shinto to denote a ceremonial cycle in which shrine buildings are rebuilt and ritually re-consecrated at regular intervals. The most widely known form is Shikinen Sengū (式年遷宮) or Shikinen Sengu, the periodic rebuilding of a shrine’s main sanctuaries. The cycle signifies renewal and continuity, aligning carpentry, ritual, and devotion across generations.

Origin and practice: The exact interval varies by shrine, but the concept is to maintain the structural integrity of wooden shrines and preserve traditional construction techniques. During Shikinen, old buildings are taken down and replacements constructed, with the sacred objects transferred to the new structures in a carefully choreographed sequence overseen by Shinto priests. Master carpenters and craftspeople—often members of long-standing guilds—play key roles, ensuring the transfer of ritual function as well as form.

Ise Grand Shrine example: The best-known example is the Ise Grand Shrine, whose main sanctuary buildings have been rebuilt in a Shikinen cycle for many centuries, historically around every twenty years. This practice embodies both architectural renewal and religious continuity, involving extensive collaboration among priestly orders, artisans, and local communities.

Broader context: Beyond Ise, several shrines observe similar renewal cycles or variations of the practice, though not all use the exact term Shikinen in official ritual titles. The concept reflects Shinto emphasis on renewal, the preservation of traditional building techniques, and the transmission of sacred knowledge through successive generations.