“The heart of Japan,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper against the rustling leaves. We are standing before the most venerable sanctuary in all of Japan: Naiku. This sacred ground, nestled in the heart of Mie Prefecture, is home to the spirit of Amaterasu-omikami. She is the sun goddess and the ancestral deity of the Imperial family. Legend has it that Naiku is a physical manifestation of her divine energy. As you cross the ancient Uji Bridge, a towering Japanese cypress will greet you. This tree, acting as a sacred torii gate, marks the entrance to Naiku’s inner shrine precincts. The air here hums with an unseen energy. Twelve auxiliary jinjas dot the immense grounds, each whispering forgotten prayers to the wind. Through it all flows the Isuzu River, its waters mirroring the sacred nature of Naiku. Take your time to wander these hallowed grounds. Let the spirit of Amaterasu-omikami wash over you. Here, in this tranquil space, you might just feel a connection to the very soul of Japan.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to