Haiden

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

The shrine's haiden (Worship Hall) was built in 1494 during the Muromachi period. It is built in nagare, or gabled-roof, style. The white paper "zigzags", hanging above the visitors, are gohei whose traditional shape is said to attract the gods. They hang from a long cord, or shimenawa, that marks the boundary of a sacred space.