Tradition
Before praying at a Shinto shrine, visitors usually wash their hands and rinse their mouths.
What is ritual purification?
In Shinto mythology, this sun goddess is believed to be the ancestor of Japan’s imperial family.
Who is Amaterasu?
During this 1868 event, Japan restored power to the emperor and promoted Shinto as a national tradition.
What is Meiji Restoration?
This country is the birthplace of this religion.
What is Japan?
Sacred spirits that inhabit nature.
What are Kami?
These colorful community festivals celebrate local kami with parades, food, and traditional performances.
What are Matsuri?
The people who rule Japan are said to be descendants of Amaterasu.
Who are the Japanese emperors?
After this global conflict in 1945, Japan separated government and Shinto.
What is World War II?
The Southern Island of Japan, home of the Itsukushima Shrine
What is Miyajima?
Belief that divine spirits live in these parts of the real world.
What is nature?
At Shinto shrines, visitors often toss a coin into an offering box before praying.
What is making an offering?
This Japanese emperor ruled during World War II and issued the 1946 Humanity Declaration renouncing his divine status.
Who is Hirohito?
In 1946, Emperor Hirohito publicly denied being divine in this famous declaration following World War II.
What is the Humanity Declaration?
Famous sacred mountain associated with the Kami.
What is Mount Fuji?
What is purification?
After praying at a shrine, visitors often tie paper fortunes predicting their luck to racks or tree branches.
What are Omikuji?
This emperor’s restoration to power in 1868 helped elevate Shinto as a state tradition in Japan.
Who is Emperor Meiji?
This American general oversaw Japan’s occupation after World War II and implemented reforms affecting State Shinto.
Who is Douglas MacArthur?
A famous shrine that appears to float on water.
What is Itsukushima Shrine?
Sacred places dedicated to Kami?
What are Shinto shrines?
During this important Shinto tradition, families bring newborn babies to a shrine for blessings and protection.
What is Hatsumiyamairi?
The first emperor of Japan is said to be a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Who is Emperor Jimmu?
This ancient Japanese chronicle, completed in 712 CE, records many Shinto myths and the origins of Japan.
What is the Kojiki?
One of the most sacred shrines, it is dedicated to the Sun goddess, Amaterasu.
What is Ise Grand Shrine?
The iconic red gate entrance to Shinto areas.
What is a torii?