Entrance to the Outer Shrine (Gekū) of the Ise Shrine, Ise, Mie prefecture, Japan. According to tradition, the Inner Shrine—officially named Kōtai Jingū—was first constructed in 4 bce; most likely, however, the earliest structure dates from sometime later, possibly as early as the 3rd century ce.

Why is Ise Jingu rebuilt every 20 years?

The shrine buildings at Naikū and Gekū, as well as the Uji Bridge, are rebuilt every 20 years as a part of the Shinto belief of the death and renewal of nature and the impermanence of all things and as a way of passing building techniques from one generation to the next.

Why was Ise Jingu built?

According to legend, the emperor had received instructions in a dream from Amaterasu to establish a shrine at the site to Toyouke who would serve the sun goddess her meals. The design of the Geku building is very similar to the Naiku shrine.