Throughout history, emperors have experienced many fluctuations in power. There are over a hundred enormous shrines dedicated to the past emperors. The Heian Shrine, a relatively new addition to the list, was built in 800 AD as one of the largest shrines. A large gate greets the visitors as they enter into the holy realm. Intricate detail is found in everywhere from paintings to architecture.
White sand marks the territory as where the gods are present.
The Japanese take great pride in such architectural accomplishments, and these buildings are preserved as the nation's cultural treasures. Numerous Shinto festivals are held throughout the year in order to assimilate the gods into the daily life of each Japanese citizen. These practices of ritual by the mass keeps the gods alive. Every Japanese lives with ritual as a custom. Shinto has survived in modern Japan because of this perfect assimilation into Japanese custom.