Shrines

With over 80,000 shrines across Japan, Shinto shrines are emblematic of Japanese religion, culture, and history. These shrines, primarily based on Shinto beliefs, have been deeply rooted in Japanese life for centuries as sacred sites worshipping deities believed to inhabit nature and ancestors. Today, even amidst urbanization and globalization, shrines continue to play their role as the core of local communities and as tourist attractions.

Origins and History of Shinto Shrines

While the exact origins of Shinto shrines are unclear, they are believed to be rooted in nature worship dating back to the Jomon and Yayoi periods. In ancient Japan, where gods were believed to dwell in natural objects like mountains, rivers, and large rocks, rituals were performed at specific locations, gradually evolving into permanent facilities. The “Nihon Shoki” and “Kojiki,” compiled in the 8th century, recorded the genealogy of gods and legends related to shrines, contributing to the systematization of Shinto. From the Heian period onwards, there was a fusion with Buddhism (Shinbutsu-shugo), leading to an era where shrines and temples coexisted. However, during the Meiji era, the edict for separation of Shinto and Buddhism redefined shrines as purely Shinto places.

Shinto shrines share common characteristic elements:

Torii Gates

These gates stand at the entrance of shrines, symbolizing the division between the secular and sacred realms. Their color and shape vary by shrine, with Fushimi Inari Taisha famous for its red torii gates.

Haiden and Honden

The haiden is where worshippers offer prayers, while the honden, located behind it, houses the sacred object in which the deity resides. The honden is generally off-limits to the public.

Harmony with Nature

Shrines are often built in natural settings like forests or mountains. Areas surrounded by sacred forests, like Ise Jingu, are considered “divine territories.”

Rituals and Festivals

Seasonal festivals and prayer ceremonies are held with active participation from local residents. Examples include autumn festivals praying for good harvests and Setsubun for warding off evil.

Shinto and the Role of Shrines

Shinto is polytheistic, believing in the existence of eight million deities. From Ise Jingu, which enshrines Amaterasu-Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, to shrines dedicated to deified natural phenomena and historical heroes, shrines serve a wide range of roles from individual prayers (for success in exams or health) to national ceremonies. In modern times, traditions like visiting shrines for New Year’s prayers (hatsumode) or for children’s growth celebrations (shichi-go-san) remain strong.

Significance of Shrines in Modern Japan

Today, shrines in Japan hold meaning beyond religious sites. In urban areas, small shrines like the Tokyo branch of Izumo Taisha provide spiritual refuge amidst busy daily life. In rural areas facing depopulation, shrines function as places preserving local traditions and identity. Among foreign tourists, the unique atmosphere and architecture of shrines have gained attention as spots to experience “spiritual Japan.” Notably, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, captivate visitors from around the world.

TOC

Hokkaido
Tohoku Region
Kanto Region
Chubu Region
Kansai Region
Chugoku Region
Shikoku
Kyushu Region

Hokkaido

Tohoku Region

Kanto Region

Chubu Region

Kansai Region

Chugoku Region

Izumo Taisha Izumo Taisha (出雲大社), also known as Izumo Grand Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest and m…