Adjacent to the present Goshoden is an open area of the same size. The new Goshoden will be built in this open area. The thinking behind the reconstruction is; just as the rice crops retain their form year after year, the buildings will retain their form eternally by reconstruction. Also, the faithful can expect new blessings from the revitalized gods in their new quarters.

Various theories exist on why the Ise shrine is rebuilt every 20 years. Whichever may be the case, it is rebuilt within a suitable time span in a persons life.

Shikinensengu (Reconstruction) Festival
This festival consists of over 30 small prayer ceremonies. 
Click one of the festivals to see how it is.

If you click the photo on the left, you will be able to read the explanation on yuiitsu shinnmeizukuri, a unique architectural style said to be the purest and simplest style of Shinto architecture, or see the animation of how the Goshoden is rebuilt.

As the Shikinensengu is performed every 20 years, it draws anew the hearts of the people. The shrines are reborn and look like new shrines, just the way they looked more than a thousand years ago.

This may not seem like anything but this method of passing on the culture cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.