An Introduction to Shinto: Your Path to
Japanese Spirituality
For the Modern Seeker: A Guide to Shinto Practices
and Rituals
Hey there! So you're looking to dive into Shinto, the ancient spiritual heart of Japan?
That's awesome. Whether you're drawn to its deep connection with nature, its rich
history, or simply curious about a different way of seeing the world, this guide is for
you. We're going to break down the essentials of Shinto practice in a way that's easy to
understand, practical, and relevant for someone like you, a 25-year-old navigating the
modern world.
Shinto isn't about strict dogma or a single founder. It's a vibrant, evolving tradition
focused on the worship of kami—deities or spirits that inhabit everything from
mountains and rivers to ancestors and abstract concepts like growth and creativity. It's
about living in harmony with the natural world, purifying oneself, and expressing
gratitude. Think of it less as a religion with rigid rules and more as a way of life, deeply
intertwined with Japanese culture.
In this guide, we'll cover:
Understanding Kami and Shinto Concepts: A brief overview of the core ideas.
Shrine Visits: How to Pray and Observe Rituals: Your step-by-step guide to
engaging with kami at a shrine.
Setting Up a Home Altar (Kamidana): Bringing Shinto spirituality into your daily
life.
Daily Practices and Mindset: Integrating Shinto principles into your routine.
Let's get started on your journey into the fascinating world of Shinto!
1. Understanding Kami and Shinto Concepts
Shinto, literally
meaning "the way of the gods," is Japan's indigenous spiritual tradition. Unlike many
Western religions, Shinto doesn't have a single founder, sacred scriptures, or a strict
set of commandments. Instead, it's characterized by its deep reverence for kami [1].
What are Kami?
Kami are not gods in the Abrahamic sense. They are spiritual essences, deities, or
spirits that reside in natural phenomena, geographical features, and even in abstract
concepts. They can be found in:
Nature: Mountains (like Mount Fuji), rivers, trees, rocks, and even sounds.
Ancestors: The spirits of deceased emperors, heroes, and family members who
have become kami.
Abstract Concepts: Growth, fertility, production, and protection.
Objects: Sometimes, kami can inhabit objects, especially those used in rituals or
those with a long history.
Kami are not necessarily benevolent or malevolent; they simply exist and can
influence the world. The goal in Shinto is to live in harmony with kami, to purify
oneself to be in their presence, and to show respect and gratitude [1].
Key Shinto Concepts
Purity (Kiyome): This is a central concept in Shinto. Impurity (kegare) is not sin,
but rather a state of defilement or pollution that can result from death, illness, or
negative actions. Ritual purification (harae) is essential to cleanse oneself and be
able to approach the kami [1].
Harmony (Wa): Shinto emphasizes living in harmony with nature, with other
people, and with the kami. This often translates into a respect for the
environment and a focus on community.
Gratitude (Kansha): Expressing thanks to the kami for blessings and the bounty
of nature is a fundamental aspect of Shinto practice.
Makoto (Sincerity/Truthfulness): A pure and sincere heart is highly valued in
Shinto. It's about approaching the kami with genuine intentions.
Shinto is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and daily life. Many traditional
Japanese customs and festivals have their roots in Shinto beliefs. It's a living tradition
that continues to evolve while maintaining its core principles.
2. Shrine Visits: How to Pray and Observe Rituals
Visiting a Shinto shrine is a powerful way to connect with the kami. It's not like
attending a weekly church service; people visit shrines at their convenience, often on
the 1st and 15th of each month, or during various festivals (matsuri) [1]. Here's a step-
by-step guide on how to approach a shrine and offer your prayers, based on traditional
Japanese practices [2].
Before Entering the Shrine Grounds: The Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the transition from the mundane world to the sacred space of the
kami. As you approach, it's customary to pause and give a slight bow before passing
through. Try to walk to the side of the path, as the center is often considered the
kami’s path.
Purification at the Temizuya (Water Basin)
Before approaching the main shrine building, you must purify yourself at the temizuya.
This ritual cleansing is called temizu no sakuhō [2].
1. Wash your left hand: Pick up the ladle with your right hand, scoop water, and
pour it over your left hand.
2. Wash your right hand: Transfer the ladle to your left hand and pour water over
your right hand.
3. Rinse your mouth: Transfer the ladle back to your right hand. Pour a small
amount of water into your left palm and gently rinse your mouth. Never bring
the ladle directly to your mouth. Spit the water discreetly beside the basin, not
back into it.
4. Cleanse the ladle handle: Hold the ladle vertically so any remaining water flows
down the handle, cleaning it for the next person. Then, return the ladle to its
original place.
Approaching the Main Hall (Haiden)
As you walk towards the haiden (main hall), you might notice a large offertory box
(saisen-bako) in front. Avoid standing directly in the center, as this is the kami’s path.
Offering Your Prayer: The "Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow" (Nirei
Nihakushu Ippai)
This is the fundamental method for offering your respects and prayers at a Shinto
shrine [2].
1. First two deep bows: Stand in front of the kami, straighten your posture, and
bow deeply twice (a 90-degree bow from the waist).
2. Two claps: Bring your hands together at chest height. Your right hand should be
slightly lower than your left (about the first joint). Clap your hands twice, about
shoulder-width apart. After clapping, bring your fingers together again.
3. Offer your prayer: With your hands still together, offer your prayer, wishes, or
gratitude to the kami. Speak from your heart with sincerity.
4. Final deep bow: Lower your hands and bow deeply once more.
Offering a Tamagushi (Optional, for Formal Rituals)
During more formal rituals or special prayers, you might be asked to offer a tamagushi
—a branch of sakaki (a sacred evergreen tree) adorned with paper or cloth strips [2].
1. Receive the tamagushi: Hold the tamagushi with both hands. Support the upper
part of the branch with your left hand from below, and hold the base with your
right hand from above. Keep your left hand slightly higher.
2. Approach and bow: Walk towards the tamagushi stand. Bow once about three
steps before the stand, then take three more steps and bow deeply again in front
of it.
3. First rotation: Rotate the tamagushi 90 degrees clockwise so the tip points to
your right.
4. Hold and pray: Lower your left hand to hold the base of the branch, and offer
your prayer or wishes.
5. Second rotation and offer: Release your right hand, then rotate the tamagushi
another 180 degrees clockwise. Support the middle of the tamagushi with your
right hand from below, and place your left hand next to your right, pointing the
branch towards the kami. Gently place it on the stand.
3. Setting Up a Home Altar (Kamidana)
A kamidana (神棚, lit. "god/spirit-shelf") is a miniature household altar that allows you
to enshrine a Shinto kami within your home. It's a wonderful way to integrate Shinto
spirituality into your daily life, offering a space for prayer, reflection, and gratitude [3].
Choosing the Right Location
The placement of your kamidana is important, reflecting respect for the kami [4].
Height: It should be placed high on a wall, above eye level. Never place it on the
ground or at eye level.
Direction: Ideally, the kamidana should face South or East. This means it would
be placed on a North or West wall, respectively. This orientation is considered
auspicious as it faces the sun.
Cleanliness and Brightness: Choose a bright, clean room where family
members can easily approach it. Living rooms or guest rooms are often suitable.
Avoidance: Do not place the kamidana over an entrance or anywhere people will
walk directly underneath it. This is considered disrespectful.
Flexibility: While ideal placement is recommended, if your home's structure
makes it difficult, prioritize a clean and respectful location where you can
sincerely enshrine the ofuda (sacred charms).
Essential Components of a Kamidana
Your kamidana will typically consist of the altar itself and various shingu (divine tools)
for offerings [4].
Kamidana (The Altar): This is the main structure, often made of wood,
resembling a miniature shrine.
Ofuda (Sacred Charms): These are the most important elements. Ofuda are
paper or wooden talismans imbued with the essence of a kami, obtained from
Shinto shrines. You should have at least one ofuda from your local guardian kami
(ujigami) and one from Ise Grand Shrine (Jingu Taima), dedicated to Amaterasu
Ōmikami, the sun goddess [4].
Preparation: Before enshrining, remove the thin paper wrapper
(uwamakigami) that protects the ofuda.
Placement (Single-door kamidana): Layer the ofuda from front to back:
Jingu Taima first, then your ujigami ofuda, followed by ofuda from other
revered shrines.
Placement (Three-door kamidana): Place the Jingu Taima in the center
door, your ujigami ofuda in the right door, and other shrine ofuda in the left
door.
The doors of the kamidana can be left open or closed.
Shingu (Divine Tools) and Offerings: These are placed in front of the kamidana
[4].
Mizutama (Water Vessel): One vessel for fresh water.
Sara (Plates): Two small plates for offerings. Typically, washed rice is
placed on the left plate and salt on the right.
Sakakitate (Sakaki Branch Stands): A pair of stands for sakaki branches.
Sakaki is a sacred evergreen tree in Shinto. You can use fresh branches,
preserved ones, or even artificial ones if fresh sakaki is unavailable.
Heishi (Sake Vessels): A pair of vessels for sake (Japanese rice wine). Use
pure rice sake.
Kamikagami (Divine Mirror): One mirror, often placed in the center,
symbolizing the kami itself and the purity of the human heart.
Daily Offerings and Maintenance
Maintaining your kamidana involves regular offerings and care, demonstrating your
ongoing respect and gratitude to the kami [4].
Daily Offerings: Ideally, fresh water, rice, salt, and sake should be offered daily. If
daily offerings are not feasible due to your schedule, aim to change them on the
1st and 15th of each month.
Sakaki Branches: Change sakaki branches before they wither. If using fresh
branches, aim to replace them on the 1st of each month.
Special Occasions: During New Year and other festivals, you can offer additional
items like seafood, mountain produce, and other seasonal delicacies.
Important Note: Always remove the lids from the water and sake vessels when
making offerings.
Praying at Your Kamidana
The method for praying at your kamidana is the same as praying at a shrine: the "Two
Bows, Two Claps, One Bow" (Nirei Nihakushu Ippai) [4].
1. Purify: Before approaching your kamidana, cleanse your hands and mouth, just
as you would at a shrine.
2. Bow Twice: Stand in front of your kamidana, straighten your posture, and bow
deeply twice.
3. Clap Twice: Bring your hands together at chest height, with your right hand
slightly lower than your left. Clap twice, then bring your fingers together.
4. Offer Prayer: With your hands together, offer your prayer, express gratitude, or
make a wish.
5. Bow Once: Lower your hands and bow deeply once more.
4. Daily Practices and Mindset
Shinto is not just about rituals; it's a way of life that encourages a particular mindset
and daily practices. Integrating these into your routine can deepen your connection
with the kami and foster a sense of harmony and gratitude.
Cultivating a Shinto Mindset
Appreciation for Nature: Shinto emphasizes the sacredness of nature. Take time
to appreciate the beauty around you—a sunrise, a tree, a flowing stream.
Recognize the kami in these natural elements.
Purity in Daily Life: While ritual purification is important, strive for purity in your
daily actions and thoughts. This means being honest, sincere, and avoiding
actions that would cause kegare (defilement) to yourself or others.
Gratitude: Practice daily gratitude for the blessings in your life, big or small. This
can be as simple as a moment of thanks before a meal or acknowledging a
beautiful day.
Harmony and Respect: Seek harmony in your relationships with others and
respect for all living things. This aligns with the Shinto concept of wa.
Sincerity (Makoto): Approach all your endeavors with sincerity and a pure heart.
This inner attitude is highly valued in Shinto.
Simple Daily Practices
Morning Greetings to the Kami: If you have a kamidana, start your day by
offering fresh water and a brief prayer. Even a simple bow and a moment of
reflection can be meaningful.
Mindful Eating: Before eating, take a moment to appreciate the food and the
blessings that brought it to your table. This can be a quiet moment of thanks to
the kami of food and harvest.
Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in your home and surroundings. A clean
environment is seen as more conducive to the presence of kami.
Connecting with Local Shrines: Even if you don't visit daily, make an effort to
visit your local Shinto shrine periodically. It's a place to refresh your spirit and
reconnect with the community kami.
Seasonal Awareness: Pay attention to the changing seasons and participate in
local festivals if possible. Many Shinto festivals are tied to the agricultural cycle
and natural rhythms.
Conclusion
Embarking on a Shinto path is a personal and enriching journey. It's about fostering a
deep connection with the natural world, honoring the kami, and cultivating a mindset
of purity, harmony, and gratitude. Remember, Shinto is a living tradition, and your
practice will evolve as you learn and grow. There's no single "right" way to be a Shinto
practitioner; sincerity and respect are key.
This guide provides a solid foundation for you to begin your exploration. As you delve
deeper, you'll discover the profound beauty and wisdom within this ancient yet ever-
relevant spiritual path. Enjoy your journey!
References
[1] Britannica. "Shintō - Rituals, Kami, Shrines." Britannica,
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shinto/Ritual-practices-and-institutions
[2] Jinja Honcho. " 参 拝 方 法 | お ま い り す る ." Jinja Honcho Official Website,
https://www.jinjahoncho.or.jp/omairi/sanpai/
[3] Wikipedia. "Kamidana." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamidana
[4] Kamidana no Sato. "神棚のまつり方（位置・方角）." Kamidana no Sato Official
Website, https://kamidananosato.jp/?
mode=f2&srsltid=AfmBOorVNC7T5DymvnyKprkW_I3RSrmX-
Cv0MeR0036bPozzNsiicU85
Visual Guide: Temizu no Sakuhō (Purification Ritual)
Visual Guide: Nirei Nihakushu Ippai (Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow)
Visual Guide: Kamidana Setup and Offerings
