Shintoism Basics
Kami
Myths&Origins
Rituals&Practices
Festivals
100

This indigenous religion of Japan means “the way of kami.”

What is Shintoism?

100

These divine beings can be found in mountains, thunder, the sea, and the wind.

What is Kami?

100

According to Shinto creation, lighter particles ascended to form this.

What is heaven?

100

This act is the most important ritual in Shinto and is required before approaching a shrine.

What is purification?

100

This action marks the very beginning of the ritual order at a Shinto festival.

What is purification?

200

The term means “God” or “divine spirit” in Shinto.

What is Kami?

200

The first five kami created in Shinto mythology are known by this name.

What is Kotoamatsukami?

200

This goddess is associated with creation and death in Shinto myth.

Who is Izanami-no-mikoto?

200

Purification typically involves washing these two body parts.

What are the hands and mouth?

200

Food offerings at shrines may include rice, sake, seaweed, and vegetables, but not this type of food.

What is animal meat?

300

Shinto originated in this country before the 6th century BCE.

What is Japan?

300

These seven generations of gods came after the first five.

What is Kamiyonanayo?

300

These particles that made the earth settled downward to form the earth.

What are the heavier particles?

300

Wooden wands decorated with paper streamers used for purification are called this.

What is a haraegushi?

300

Participants offer evergreen branches with white paper strips in this part of the ritual.

What is General Offerings?

400

Approximately this many people practice Shinto today.

What is 3,000,000?

400

These two deities are considered the most important gods in Shinto mythology.

Who are Izanami-no-mikoto and Izanagi-no-mikoto?

400

that heaven and earth formed naturally rather than being made by a single supreme creator. This makes Shinto a religion of this type of origin story.

What is a natural form of creation?

400

The final celebratory meal at the end of a Shinto festival ritual is called this.

What is naorai?

400

This act is the celebration of the harvest.

What is the Autumn festival?

500

Shinto followers believe nature is alive with these divine forces.

What are spiritis?

500

The act when the congregation bows to the altar.

What is adoration?