A reader has written in with photos and to say that the finishing touches are being done for Izumo’s 60 year cycle of rebuiliding (shikinen sengu).  A previous posting detailed the very impressive month-long programme of events (see here).  Below are pictures of the latest situation…

A brand new rice rope for the newly constructed buildings. The Izumo shimenawa is known for its peculiarly thick style.

 

Hoisting the shimenawa into place. It's a marker of sacred space, and is believed to ward against evil spirits. The shimenawa at Izumo's Kaguraden is allegedly the biggest in the world.

 

Mysterious light on one of the newly constructed Izumo buildings - sign of the kami's blessings?