Shinto shrine

A Shinto shrine is a sacred structure designed to house or "enshrine" one or more kami. Kami are the deities or spirits of the Shinto religion.

These sites serve as the primary locations where a shrine's patron kami resides. While many people use the English word "shrine," the Japanese language uses many different, specific terms. These names can distinguish between a massive complex and a tiny roadside structure.

Some shrines are even portable. These are called mikoshi, which are palanquins carried on poles during festivals.

The mechanism of enshrining a kami varies depending on the specific tradition. In many shrines, there is a main building called a honden. This building houses a shintai, which is a physical object believed to contain the spirit.

A shintai might be a mirror, a sword, or a comma-shaped jewel known as a magatama. However, a honden is not always necessary. Some shrines exist because the kami lives in a natural object. A sacred mountain, a large tree, or a rock can be worshipped directly.

Other sites use an altar-like structure or an object meant to attract spirits to create a bond with the kami.

There are several distinct types of shrines based on their status and function. A jinja is the most general term for a Shinto shrine. Some shrines are called jingu, which indicates a very high status. These often have deep ties to the Imperial household, such as Ise Jingu or Meiji Jingu.

Another type is the uajigami, which is a shrine dedicated to a local deity that protects a specific village or area. Small shrines found on roadsides are sometimes called hokora. Large shrines may also contain miniature shrines on their grounds, known as sessha or massha.

The history of these sites begins with ancient natural worship. In the pre-agricultural Jōmon period, people worshipped ancestors and spirits in quiet forests.

These sacred groves were the earliest forms of shrines. During the Yayoi period, village councils sought advice from kami. They used instruments to evoke these spirits. As agriculture began, people built small, hut-like structures to house the kami and ensure good harvests. The first known Shinto shrine was built around 478 CE.

Archaeological evidence suggests that early sacred sites were often mountain peaks that provided water to the plains.

Formal rules for Shinto worship were established through historical documents. In 905 CE, Emperor Daigo ordered a compilation of rites and rules. This project eventually led to the promulgation of the Engishiki in 927 CE. This work consisted of fifty volumes. It provided the first formal codification of Shinto rites and Norito, which are liturgies and prayers.

The Engishiki was very detailed. It listed 2,861 Shinto shrines and 3,131 official-recognized enshrined entities existing at that time. This document became the foundation for all future Shinto liturgical practices.

Significant changes occurred with the arrival of Buddhism in the sixth century. This introduced the concept of permanent shrine buildings. Many shrines became part of mixed complexes called jinguji.

In these complexes, a Buddhist temple was built next to a Shinto shrine. This was done to help the shrine manage local karmic issues. Over time, many shrines adopted Buddhist architectural elements. These include the rōmon, or tower gate, stone lanterns, and lion dogs.

Despite these influences, Shinto maintained a tradition called shikinen sengu. This is the practice of rebuilding shrines at regular intervals to preserve ancient styles. The Ise Grand Shrine is rebuilt every 20 years to keep its original design intact.

Today, the scale of Shinto worship in Japan is vast. It is estimated that there are around 100,000 Shinto shrines across the country. In 1972, the Agency for Cultural Affairs recorded 79,467 shrines, most of which were affiliated with the Shinto Main Office. Some shrines, such as the Yasukuni Shrine, remain totally independent of any outside authority.

For centuries, certain families held hereditary positions at shrines. Some of these families continue to hold these traditional roles in the present day. Shinto shrines remain a deeply connected part of the Japanese religious and cultural landscape.