On December 1, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture culminated the work of making large shimenawa or rope used to cordon off consecrated areas to welcome worshippers at the end of the year and the New Year.  

The temple, which boasts one of the highest numbers of New Year’s visitors in Japan, annually spends about two months from early November to make the huge shimenawa.  

This large Shimenawa is believed to have originated in the Edo period more than 300 years ago as a way of praying for a bountiful harvest. It looks like hanging harvested rice ears.

When completed, it will be 6.6 meters long and weigh 200 kilograms.  

It will be displayed in front of the main hall during the year-end and New Year holidays, welcoming many visitors.