Horses figure prominently in various Shinto rituals in the ancient capital. 00:53 Steeds exhibiting swiftness and beauty were seen as messengers of the deities.

Purity can be restored through specific Shinto rituals and personal practices that cleanse both body and mind. Water and salt are commonly used as purifying agents, and a haraigushi (see below ...

Shinto is Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition, but unlike most religions, it has no single founder, sacred text, or strict doctrines. Instead, it revolves around the veneration of Kami ...

Drawing on Shinto, sci-fi and traditional Japanese folk, Kuunatic are one of metal's most fascinating new bands ...

Shinto rituals are performed by priests at shrines around Japan – and the world – on behalf of the deities and the local communities of people under their purview. The emperor of Japan also ...

Hayao Miyazaki’s films are filled with nature spirits, supernatural beings, and themes of environmental harmony, leading many to believe they are deeply influenced by Shinto, Japan’s ...

Purification is key to Shinto rituals to keep away evil spirits. Worshipers can also wish for other things, such as traffic safety, success in business or exams and safe childbirth.

In many places, Shinto and Buddhism, with their associated structures, shrines and temples respectively, share the same sacred grounds. Today, there are about 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples in ...

The roots of Shinto lie in people feeling the presence of kami in nature and thereby creating rituals. No formal shrines were built on Okinoshima, called the island where God resides.

Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines. She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping. But her main purpose is getting a ...