Shintō is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back over two millennia.¹⁾

The word “Shintō” (神道) literally means “Way of the Gods.”²⁾

Shintō does not have a specific founder or a central religious text like many other religions.³⁾

It is considered an indigenous religion of Japan, deeply ingrained in the country's culture and history.⁴⁾

Shintō focuses on the worship of kami, which can be understood as spirits or deities associated with natural phenomena, objects, ancestors, and even concepts.⁵⁾

Kami can be found in various forms, such as rocks, trees, animals, and natural elements like mountains and rivers.⁶⁾

Shintō's sacred spaces are called jinja, which are Shintō shrines scattered all across Japan.⁷⁾

There are approximately 80,000 Shintō shrines in Japan, varying in size and significance.⁸⁾

Shintō practices and beliefs are closely tied to the cycles of nature, and many rituals are performed to honor and appease kami.⁹⁾

The Emperor of Japan is considered to be a symbol of the unity of the Japanese people and holds a significant position in Shintō.¹⁰⁾

Before World War II, the emperor was seen as a divine figure, but after Japan's surrender, the concept was revised to a more symbolic role.¹¹⁾

Shintō and Buddhism have a long history of coexistence in Japan, and it's not uncommon for people to practice both religions simultaneously.¹²⁾

Ritual purification is an essential part of Shintō practices, especially before entering shrines or engaging in sacred ceremonies.¹³⁾

Torii gates, the iconic red gates seen at Shintō shrines, symbolize the transition from the secular to the sacred realm.¹⁴⁾

Shintō followers typically express their devotion through prayers, offerings, and purification rituals.¹⁵⁾

Some Shintō ceremonies involve dance and theatrical performances called kagura, meant to entertain and please the kami.¹⁶⁾

The Shintō creation myth involves the kami Izanami and Izanagi, who gave birth to the Japanese archipelago and many other kami.¹⁷⁾

The sacred mirror, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, is associated with Shintō and is said to symbolize wisdom.¹⁸⁾

Shintō rituals are often performed during significant life events, such as births, weddings, and funerals.¹⁹⁾

Sumo wrestlers are known to participate in rituals and activities associated with Shintō before competitions.²⁰⁾

The Shintō tradition of sacred sake offerings, called omiki, is believed to forge a connection between humans and kami.²¹⁾

Amaterasu, the sun goddess, is one of the most revered kami in Shintō and is considered the ancestor of the imperial family.²²⁾

Shintō played a significant role in shaping traditional Japanese arts, such as Noh theater and Japanese gardens.²³⁾

The first official state recognition of Shintō occurred during the Nara period (710-794) when shrines were built across Japan.²⁴⁾

Shintō became closely intertwined with the concept of Japanese nationalism during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century.²⁵⁾

During the Meiji period, the government initiated the separation of Shintō and Buddhism to establish Shintō as the state religion.²⁶⁾

In 1946, Shintō was disestablished as the state religion of Japan following World War II, and religious freedom was ensured in the new constitution.²⁷⁾

A Shintō wedding ceremony, called “shinzen kekkon,” is still popular among modern Japanese couples.²⁸⁾

Shintō priests and priestesses are known as kannushi and miko, respectively.²⁹⁾

Miko are often young women who assist in Shintō rituals and ceremonies, wearing traditional white robes with red hakama.³⁰⁾

Shintō festivals, known as matsuri, are vibrant and lively events that celebrate various aspects of life and nature.³¹⁾

Yabusame is a traditional Japanese archery ritual performed during certain Shintō festivals.³²⁾

The ancient tradition of misogi involves purifying oneself through ritual cleansing, often by standing under a waterfall.³³⁾

Some Shintō shrines are associated with specific kami, such as Inari shrines, dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility.³⁴⁾

The sacred rope, called shimenawa, adorns the entrances of shrines and marks areas considered sacred.³⁵⁾

Shintō priests may use a gohei, a sacred wooden wand decorated with shide paper zigzags, during rituals to summon the kami.³⁶⁾

The two main branches of Shintō are Jinja Shintō, which focuses on shrine worship, and Kyoha Shintō, which includes various sects and organizations.³⁷⁾

The worship of kami is not limited to Shintō shrines; many Japanese households have a kamidana (household shrine) to pay homage to the family's ancestors and kami.³⁸⁾

Shintō's reverence for nature has contributed to Japan's reputation for its beautiful and harmonious gardens.³⁹⁾

The Tsumi ritual is performed to purify a person who has come into contact with death, as death is considered a source of impurity in Shintō.⁴⁰⁾

Shintō priests participate in the Niinamesai, a ritual where the emperor offers the year's first rice harvest to the kami.⁴¹⁾

The annual Gion Matsuri festival in Kyoto is one of Japan's most famous festivals and has strong Shintō roots.⁴²⁾

The Shintō shrine of Ise Jingu, located in Mie Prefecture, is one of the most sacred and important shrines in Japan, dedicated to Amaterasu.⁴³⁾

Many traditional Japanese cultural events and ceremonies, like the tea ceremony and the kendo martial art, have connections to Shintō.⁴⁴⁾

Shintō continues to be an integral part of Japanese life and culture, with millions of followers and practitioners today.⁴⁵⁾