The main hall of Izumo-taisha Shrine has one of the largest “Taisha-zukuri” architectural styles existing in Japan today, radiating a unique dignity and solemnity. Taisha-zukuri is considered one of the oldest shrine architectural styles in Japan and is characterized by its steeply pitched gabled roof and the large Senki and Katsuonoki trees that support the roof. The main hall is approximately 24 meters high, and its majestic appearance is accentuated by its hiwadabuki (cypress bark) roof. This main hall was renovated in 1959 and is designated as a National Treasure. Historically, Izumo-taisha was once an even grander structure before the current form of the main hall was in place. There are records and legends of the existence of a huge building as high as 48 meters in ancient times, and its grandeur is depicted in the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki” and “Heian-period documents. In support of this, archaeological investigations since 2000 have uncovered the remains of a pillar over one meter in diameter at the location of the present main hall. These pillars tell us that Izumo-taisha Shrine was tremendously huge in ancient times. Historically, the shrine has suffered damage from fire and earthquakes on numerous occasions, but has been rebuilt each time. Since the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine's status as a center of worship has remained unshaken, and during the Edo period, rebuilding proceeded with donations from the Tokugawa shogunate and clansmen from all over Japan. Today, the main shrine welcomes worshippers not only for its grandeur, but also as a place of deep sanctity. It serves as a kaguraden, a place to enshrine the sacred object, and is the central location where annual events and Shinto rituals are held. It is also unique in that the building and its beliefs have been protected for a long time through periodic restoration work called “Sengu”.