Three Palace Sanctuaries
Encyclopedia
The precincts of the Japanese Imperial Palace in Tokyo (Kokyo
) include structures known as the Three Palace Sanctuaries or Kyuchusanden (宮中三殿). They are used in imperial religious ceremonies, including weddings and coronations. The three sanctuaries are:
Kokyo
is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo close to Tokyo Station and contains several buildings including the main palace , the emperor left Kyoto Imperial Palace for Tokyo...
) include structures known as the Three Palace Sanctuaries or Kyuchusanden (宮中三殿). They are used in imperial religious ceremonies, including weddings and coronations. The three sanctuaries are:
- Kashikodokoro (賢所) enshrining AmaterasuAmaterasu, or is apart of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion. She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. the name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning "shining in heaven." The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is "the great August kami who...
. (Since 1915, special rolling stockRolling stockRolling stock comprises all the vehicles that move on a railway. It usually includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, for example locomotives, railroad cars, coaches and wagons...
for the ceremonial use of the imperial family is known as Kashikodokoro Jogyosha (賢所乗御車) from the name of this sanctuary.) The Sacred Jewel or Yasakani no magatama, one of the Imperial Regalia of JapanImperial Regalia of JapanThe , also known as the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, consist of the sword Kusanagi , the mirror Yata no Kagami , and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama...
is also said to be in the Kashikodokoro. - Koreiden (皇霊殿) enshrining the departed spirits of the Japanese imperial family from one year after their death.
- Shinden (神殿) enshrining the Amatsukami (天津神) from TakamagaharaTakamagaharaTakama-ga-hara , literally "High Heaven's Plain" but often translated as the "High Plain of Heaven," is a place in Japanese mythology. In Shinto, Takama-ga-hara is the dwelling place of the Kami. It is believed to be connected to the Earth by the bridge Ama-no uki-hashi...
and the Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese religious myths.
See also
- Culture of JapanCulture of JapanThe culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America...
- Japanese mythologyJapanese mythologyJapanese mythology is a system of beliefs that embraces Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as agriculturally based folk religion. The Shinto pantheon comprises innumerable kami...
- Jinja (Shinto)Jinja (Shinto)A Shinto shrine is a structure whose main purpose is to house one or more Shinto kami....
- Religion in JapanReligion in JapanMost Japanese people do not exclusively identify themselves as adherents of a single religion; rather, they incorporate elements of various religions in a syncretic fashion known as . Shinbutsu Shūgō officially ended with the Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order of 1886, but continues in practice...