In this land I wish to dwell.
This is the most important shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and holds her Sacred Mirror (Yata-no-Kagami) which it is believed she resides inside of. Reportedly it hasn't been looked at in over 1000 years, and, as the public isn't allowed to see it, some doubt whether it even exists (or whether it still exists, take your pick).
Mirrors in ancient Japan represented truth and honesty because they reflect everything truthfully. Since they were uncommon, they were a source of reverence and mystique. The Sacred Mirror confirms an Emperor's divinity as he looks in it and sees his reflection.
The Sacred Mirror is one of three holy objects in Japan. The other two are a sword (Ame-no-murakumo-no-Tsurugi) which is in kept in Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya and a jewel (Yasakani-no-Magatama) kept in the Imperial Palace (in Tokyo). When a new emperor ascends the throne he receives the transfer of these objects in a special ceremony (Kenji togyo-no-gi).
According to Legend, Princess Yamatohime was searching for a place to house the mirror. When she came to Ise, Amaterasu spoke from the mirror, saying, "This is a good place; I would like to stay here." And so the shrine was built. Interestingly, it is torn down every 20 years and rebuilt on an adjacent site. This is thought to purify the location and shrine. The bridge shown above is included in the rebuilding, by the way.
Don't miss the other great photos in the Beautiful Japan photo series!
#1–10 — Beautiful Japan, Collection #1
#11–20 — Beautiful Japan, Collection #2
#21–30 — Beautiful Japan, Collection #3
#31 — Lost in Thought
#32 — Now For My Close-Up
#33 — Let's Pray Under the Clouds
#34 — Garden Shrine
#35 — Bridge to Adventure
#36 — Angry Samurai Turtle
#37 — Castle in the Trees
#38 — Maple Leaves at Rest
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I post one photo everyday, as well as a haiku and as time allows, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.
 | David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time. |