The Ise ShrineAccording to popular belief, the Ise Shrine is known as the holiest Shinto shrine in all of Japan, and therefore this style of architecture, known as shimmei-zukuri, is prohibited on other Shinto shrines. As a part of the Shinto belief, every twenty years the buildings at the Ise Shrine are torn down and rebuilt on the same site using new materials as a way of purification, building on the idea of Shinto rebirth and redemption since the new Ise Shrine as seen as the extension of the original, rather than a unique shrine.
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The Izumo ShrineThe Izumo Shrine is the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan and it stems from mystical origins by the kami, noted in the eight century Japanese text, The Kojiki. It is built in the distinct architectural structure known as taisha zukuri, and the central post represents "the august central pillar" that the deities Izanagi and Izanam-I stirred the ocean with to create Japan. The festival Kamiari Matsuri (gods being present) is held here.
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The Itsukushima ShrineThe Itsukushima Shrine has a significant placement, allowing the visitors and pilgrims to the shrine to come up close and touch it during low tide, but giving it the appearance of floating on the water during high tide. The gate, known as the torii, represents a harmony with nature and therefore the monument is extremely pure. To maintain this purity, no deaths or births are allowed near it and burials are not permitted on the island.
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