TAISHAZUKURI

   The ancient style of plain wood shrine architecture epitomised by the honden of the Izumo Taisha, Shimane prefecture. It has thatched slightly concave roof sides, a large central pillar (kokoro-no-hashira, the 'heart pillar') and comprises four sections enclosed by a verandah with a low balustrade. The entrance, at the side of the building, is approached by steep wooden steps protected by a separate sloping porch-type roof.