Jiba, the sacred place of Tenrikyo, is surrounded by the green mountains of Yamato in central Japan. This is where the Original Parent of humanity, God the Parent, resides and where the everliving Oyasama awaits our return. The Jiba is the source of all blessings. There, the Kagura Service is performed for the reconstruction of the world into the Joyous Life World.
When Oyasama, Miki Nakayama, commenced Her teaching on October 26, 1838, this area was a small hamlet of about twenty dwellings, called Shoyashiki Village. As Tenrikyo spread and followers increased in number, however, many buildings were constructed one after another, such as those of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, followers dormitories, educational and cultural institutions, and a hospital. Thus this place has come to have its streets of houses and stores.
Oyasama taught that the Jiba is the home of all humanity. That is why coming to this place is spoken of as "returning to Jiba," and everyone who visits the Home of the Parent receives the warm greeting,