It is often said that Japanese people lack religious faith. However, if you ask a Japanese person, “Do you pray to gods?” most would probably say, “Yes.” Doesn’t this seem contradictory?
Shinto: Japan's Unique Religion
One explanation for this apparent contradiction lies in Japan’s unique religious culture. Japan is home to an ancient religion called Shinto, whose origins are so old that they remain unknown. Unlike Islam or Christianity, Shinto has no central religious leader or sacred texts. Yet, Shinto shrines—its places of worship—are everywhere, and people often visit them to offer prayers to the gods.
Shrines are easy to recognize by their iconic torii gates, which mark the entrance to sacred grounds. Within the shrine grounds, you can often find purification fountains (chouzu-ya), main worship halls (haiden), and offering boxes (saisenbako). Larger shrines may feature more elaborate architecture, but even small, humble shrines known as hokora are cherished and cared for by local communities.
When visiting a shrine, it’s important to remember that the grounds are considered sacred. Acts such as littering, smoking, making loud noises, praying to gods other than the one enshrined there, or engaging in disrespectful behavior—like climbing on torii gates or defacing property—are seen as offensive to the deities. Visitors should observe proper etiquette to show respect for the sacred space.
The Abundance of Shrines in Japan
Shrines are found throughout Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. Officially registered shrines number over 80,000, outnumbering the approximately 57,000 convenience stores across the country. Additionally, countless unregistered small shrines dot the landscape, making their total number staggering. This widespread presence underscores how deeply Shinto is embedded in Japanese culture.
Shinto Beliefs and Japanese Daily Life
A defining characteristic of Shinto is its polytheistic nature, which contrasts sharply with monotheistic religions like Islam and Christianity. In Shinto, it is believed that gods, or kami, inhabit all aspects of the natural world. For instance, the notion that even toilets can house a deity gained popularity through a hit song.
One well-known teaching in Japan is that even if no one else witnesses a wrongful act, the sun will witness it. This reflects the belief that kami are always present, observing human actions. Such beliefs profoundly influence Japanese behaviors, from maintaining cleanliness in public spaces to fostering a sense of social responsibility. This may explain why Japan’s streets are remarkably free of litter, even in the absence of public trash bins, and why the country enjoys such a high level of public safety.
Events and Activities at Shrines
Shrines host various events throughout the year to honor their deities, pray for bountiful harvests, or cleanse people of misfortune. Here are some notable events that travelers can experience:
- Hatsumōde (New Year’s Visit): From January 1st to 3rd, people make their first visit of the year to pray for health and good fortune in the coming year.
- Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival): Around February 3rd, beans are thrown to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck.
- Ōharae (Great Purification): Held twice a year, this ritual cleanses individuals of impurities. The end-of-June ceremony often features walking through a large ring made of grass.
- Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival): Around July 7th, participants write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo.
- Reisai (Annual Festivals): Each shrine’s most important event, often featuring floats (dashi) or portable shrines (mikoshi) in processions.
- Kagura (Sacred Dances): Traditional dances performed to honor the gods, varying by region and shrine.
Additionally, shrines offer year-round activities that travelers can enjoy:
- Goshuin (Seal Stamps): Visitors can receive a unique stamp as proof of their visit. Special stamp books, called goshuin-chō, are available for purchase.
- Omikuji (Fortune Slips): At a shrine, you can easily purchase an oracle from the gods, known as ‘omikuji. These oracles provide guidance for the year, and it’s common to keep them in your wallet or pass case, and consult them throughout the year. Even if you receive a ‘good luck’ fortune, it can turn bad if you don’t follow the guidance written on the omikuji. Conversely, if you receive a ‘bad luck’ fortune, paying close attention to the advice can transform misfortune into good fortune.
- Ema (Wish Plaques): Wooden plaques on which visitors write their wishes before hanging them at the shrine.
The Role of Shinto in Japanese Culture
The presence of Shinto shrines and beliefs in daily life reflects the unique spirituality of the Japanese people. Rather than focusing on strict doctrines, Shinto emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature and the divine presence in all things. This perspective subtly shapes many aspects of Japanese society, from personal conduct to collective values.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Shinto and its cultural significance offers a deeper appreciation of Japan’s customs and traditions. The next time you visit a shrine, take a moment to observe its serene surroundings, participate in its rituals, and reflect on the beliefs that have deeply influenced Japanese life for centuries. By doing so, you may find new insights into the harmonious balance between the spiritual and everyday worlds that defines Japanese culture.
