Roger OngAt Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, a sacred tradition known as Shikinen Sengu is observed every 20 years. During this ceremony, a new shrine is constructed adjacent to the existing one, and the sacred object known as the Goshintai is ceremonially relocated. This practice began roughly 1,300 years ago under the reign of Emperor Jito and this year, 2025, is the 20th year in that continuous cycle.
Central to this ritual is the meticulous selection and preparation of building materials, which begins well in advance. Among these, the most significant is the Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress), used to craft the Mihishiro—a vessel that houses the Goshintai. This cypress is referred to as Goshinboku (sacred tree), and its felling is marked by an ancient ritual, Misomahajimesai, performed in the Kiso Valley.
Misomahajimesai involves the ceremonial felling of two large Kiso Hinoki trees: one for the Inner Shrine and one for the Outer Shrine. It involves a traditional axe-only method called Mitsuhimogiri. These trees are felled in a manner where their tops intersect, in line with longstanding custom.
The previous felling, for the 62nd Shikinen Sengu, took place on 3 June 2005. The next is scheduled for June 2025. Following the ritual, the Goshinboku is transported along the Kiso River, accompanied by regional ceremonies and festivals. Timber from Kiso is joined by timber from Gifu at Kuwana before arriving at Ise Jingu.
The entire process, from mountain ritual to shrine completion, spans approximately eight years. Though not part of the official Sengu rites, the Goshinboku Festival is a community-led celebration honouring the region’s contribution. In 2005, a timber-dragging event (Mokuhiki) and a performing arts festival followed the felling, culminating in the timber’s departure for Ise on the fourth day.
Beyond the Mihishiro, the sacred object is placed into a secondary vessel, Mifunashiro, crafted from timber harvested through another ritual, the Mifunashiro Festival. In 2005, this took place in national forests near Agematsu Town and Otaki Village.
A pivotal moment in Sengu is the transfer of the Goshintai from the old to the new shrine. Timber for a temporary vessel, the Karimihishiro, is also ceremonially harvested. The new shrines were completed in 2013, with the Inner Shrine ceremony on 2 October and the Outer Shrine ceremony on 5 October. Both were held at night, under solemn and sacred conditions.
Preparations underway for 2025 Goshinboku Ceremony
Preparations for the 63rd Shikinen Sengu have commenced in earnest. On 14 February 2025, the Ise Jingu Administration Office announced that the Emperor had granted Gojijou (imperial approval) for the ceremonies. It had already been determined that timber would be sourced from national forests in Kiso and Ura-Kiso.
To ensure that the sacred timber meets the shrine’s exacting standards, a workshop was held on 22 February 2025 to practise the decorative finishing known as Keshokake. This involves meticulously preparing Mihishirogi timber, which plays a central role in the rituals. Experienced loggers, who have contributed to previous Sengu events and the restoration of Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace, led the training. High-grade timber was provided by the Kiso Government Timber Market Cooperative for the exercise.
The timber for the June ceremonies will measure an impressive 6.6 metres, requiring custom transport vehicles updated for each Sengu cycle. Additional training, including a rehearsal felling, is planned for March.
Confirmed dates for upcoming ceremonies:
- Yamaguchi Festival and Kinomoto Festival: 2 May 2025
- Misomahajimesai: 3 June 2025 (attendance by invitation only)
- Keshokake: Evening to late night, 3 June 2025, Odanoya, Agematsu Town
- Mokuhiki Event: 4 June 2025, Odanoya to Agematsu Station
- Performing Arts Festival: 5 June 2025, in front of Agematsu Station
Further information about each event will be announced in due course.
