Saikū
斎宮 | |
Reconstructed halls of the Saikū in Meiwa | |
| Location | Meiwa, Mie, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kansai region |
| Coordinates | 34°32′28″N 136°37′01″E / 34.541207°N 136.616836°E |
| Type | settlement |
| History | |
| Periods | Nara through Nanboku-chō period |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Yes (museum) |
The Saikū (斎宮) was a palace complex located in what is now the Takegawa neighborhood of the town of Meiwa, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Forming a small village, it was established in the Nara period as the palace and public offices of the Saiō, an unmarried Imperial princess who served at Ise Shrine on behalf of the emperor, and fell into ruins in the Nanboku-chō period. The site was designated a National Historic Site in 1979. The Saikū is also referred to as the "Bamboo Palace", Saigū, Itsuki no Miya, Iwai no Miya or Imimiya