•  
Ceremony for summer climbing season on Mt. Daisen

Ceremony for summer climbing season on Mt. Daisen

Shinto priests and climbers gather at the summit of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, to offer prayer for safety at a ceremony marking the start of the summer climbing season on June 7, 2026.

  •  
Ceremony for summer climbing season on Mt. Daisen

Ceremony for summer climbing season on Mt. Daisen

Shinto priests and climbers gather at the summit of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, to offer prayer for safety at a ceremony marking the start of the summer climbing season on June 7, 2026.

  •  

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

ISE, Japan, April 21 Kyodo - Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, Sept. 17 Kyodo - Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests attend a tree-felling ceremony at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  

Sacred rope replaced at western Japan waterfall

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, July 11 Kyodo - Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a large "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2025, ahead of a festival at the nearby shrine, a World Heritage site. (Kyodo)

  •  
Sacred rope replaced at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope replaced at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a large "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2025, ahead of a festival at the nearby shrine, a World Heritage site.

  •  
Sacred rope replaced at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope replaced at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a large "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2025, ahead of a festival at the nearby shrine, a World Heritage site.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests transport a "sacred" tree in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 10, 2025, for use at Ise Jingu shrine in the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine reconstruction carried out every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu" dating about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests transport a "sacred" tree in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 10, 2025, for use at Ise Jingu shrine in the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine reconstruction carried out every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu" dating about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests transport a "sacred" tree in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 10, 2025, for use at Ise Jingu shrine in the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine reconstruction carried out every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu" dating about 1,300 years, which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, June 10 Kyodo - Priests purify sacred trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 9, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. The reconstruction rites have a history of about 1,300 years. (Kyodo)

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests purify sacred trees at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 9, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. The reconstruction rites have a history of about 1,300 years.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Priests purify a sacred tree at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on June 9, 2025, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," which will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. The reconstruction rites have a history of about 1,300 years.

  •  

Sacred rope replace at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2024, ahead of a festival.(Kyodo)

  •  
Sacred rope replace at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope replace at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2024, ahead of a festival.

  •  
Sacred rope replace at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope replace at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a "shimenawa" sacred rope with a new one at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2024, ahead of a festival.

  •  
Sacred rope exchange at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope exchange at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a large "shimenawa" sacred straw rope with a new one ahead of the New Year at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 27, 2023.

  •  
Sacred rope exchange at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope exchange at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a large "shimenawa" sacred straw rope with a new one ahead of the New Year at a waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 27, 2023.

  •  
Sacred rope exchange event at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope exchange event at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests take part in an event to exchange a "shimenawa" sacred rope hanging over the top of Nachi waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2023, in preparation for an upcoming festival at nearby Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.

  •  
Sacred rope exchange event at western Japan waterfall

Sacred rope exchange event at western Japan waterfall

Shinto priests take part in an event to exchange a "shimenawa" sacred rope hanging over the top of Nachi waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2023, in preparation for an upcoming festival at nearby Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.

  •  
"Shimenawa" straw rope replaced at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine

"Shimenawa" straw rope replaced at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine

Shinto priests at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 27, 2022, replace a large "shimenawa" straw rope with new one ahead of the New Year.

  •  
Fuso-kyo grassroots Shinto priests perform fire ritual

Fuso-kyo grassroots Shinto priests perform fire ritual

TOKYO, Japan - Priests of Fuso-kyo, a Japanese grassroots Shinto sect based on the worship of Mt. Fuji, perform a fire ritual at its shrine in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan, as seen in this file photo taken on June 3, 2014.

  •  
Priests of different faiths forming groups across Japan

Priests of different faiths forming groups across Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken April 22, 2014, shows priests of Buddhism, Shinto, Christianity and other religions gathering for a regular meeting of their group at Ikegami Honmonji, a Buddhism temple of the Nichiren sect, in Tokyo's Ota Ward.

  •  
Ise Shrine

Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013. The ceremony is part of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013. The ceremony is part of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo)

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013. The ceremony is part of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo)

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013. The ceremony is part of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

  •  
Ise Shrine

Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - Shinto priests head to a ceremony at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013, to transfer the symbol of the deity to a new building. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years.

  •  
Ise Shrine

Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - Shinto priests head to a ceremony at the Geku (Outer Shrine) complex of the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 5, 2013, to transfer the symbol of the deity to a new building. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years.

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Naiku complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 2, 2013. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo)

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - Shinto priests head for a ceremony at the Naiku complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 2, 2013, to transfer the symbol of the deity to a new building. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years.

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by Shinto priests to a new building at the Naiku complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 2, 2013. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

  •  
Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

Shikinen Sengu ceremonies at Ise Shrine

ISE, Japan - Shinto priests head for a ceremony at the Naiku complex of Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Oct. 2, 2013, to transfer the symbol of the deity to a new building. The ceremony is the climax of the shrine's Shikinen Sengu ceremonies that are held when moving from old to new buildings, which take place once every 20 years.

  •  
Special ceremony at Izumo Taisha

Special ceremony at Izumo Taisha

IZUMO, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by priests to the main hall at Izumo Taisha in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, on May 10, 2013, in a special ceremony called Honden Senza Sai. The ceremony was held for the first time in 60 years at the Shinto shrine, one of the most important in Japan, after the completion of renovations to the main hall, a national treasure.

  •  
Special ceremony at Izumo Taisha

Special ceremony at Izumo Taisha

IZUMO, Japan - The shrine deity, protected with silk cloth, is carried by priests to the main hall at Izumo Taisha in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, on May 10, 2013, in a special ceremony called Honden Senza Sai. The ceremony was held for the first time in 60 years at the Shinto shrine, one of the most important in Japan, after the completion of renovations to the main hall, a national treasure.

  •  
Buddhist, Shinto joint service for disaster victims

Buddhist, Shinto joint service for disaster victims

KAMAKURA, Japan - A Buddhist priest (L) conducts a ritual for the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami at a memorial service held jointly by Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine and Todaiji Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on June 12, 2011. On the right are Shinto priests taking part in the rite.

  •  
Interfaith gathering after disaster

Interfaith gathering after disaster

KAMAKURA, Japan - Shinto priests and Buddhist monks walk to a beach while soliciting donations for quake and tsunami relief from the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on April 11, 2011, a month after the historic earthquake and tsunami disaster. They gathered at the shrine the same day to pray for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and recovery from the disaster.

  •  
Prayers for quake-hit country

Prayers for quake-hit country

NARA, Japan - Shinto priests and visitors offer prayers for the safety of those affected in the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the country's recovery at Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara, western Japan, on March 16, 2011.

  • Main
  • Top
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • About Us
  • About ILG
  • Terms of use
  • Company
  • BEHIND
  • Price List
  • Single Plan
  • Monthly Plan
  • Services
  • Shooting
  • Rights Clearance
  • Support
  • FAQ
  • How To Buy
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Partner

© KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

All Rights Reserved.

  • Editorial
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS
  • Creative
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Popular
  • #Ukraine
  • #Russia
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Thailand
  • #China
  • #Ukraine
  • #Russia
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Thailand
  • #China
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS