Japanese Patterns of Design

13 Types of Shinto Shrines: Different Deities, Beliefs and Blessings

Torii Gate of Suwa Shrine in Nishi-Waseda, Tokyo, Japan There are 13 types of Shinto shrines in Japan, each with a different belief system and deities. A deeper understanding of many types of Shinto Shrines...

Shinto Beliefs: 5 Core Values of Japanese Indigenous Religion

The wedded rocks (Meoto Iwa) in Ise, Japan on sunset. The larger of the two rocks represent the husband and the smaller one represents the wife. Shinto beliefs – there is no sacred scripture to read on...

Changing Role of Miko in Japanese Culture Over Time

Young Miko at a Shinto shrine in Tokyo on a clear morning in Spring. A Miko is a shrine maiden or a supplementary priestess trained to perform sacred tasks in Japan. Miko are Japanese female shamans who have...

Category - Shinto