SHINTO SHRINE

A structure of folk religion whose main purpose is to enshrine one or more kami (deity). Tens of thousands of Shinto shrines are found throughout Japan, quite a few of which have become famous tourist spots where Japanese ancient tradition can be felt. It is customary for many Japanese, including non-Shintoists, to pay a New Year’s visit to a Shinto shrine. What distinguishes Shinto shrines from Buddhist temples is the presence of a torii gate which separates the ordinary world from the sacred world. The most famous is the Senbon Torii (a row of a thousand torii gates) of Fushimi Inari-taisha. Whenever I see a torii, I feel like going through it to get to the other side. But I must be careful not to walk in the middle of the pathway, as it is set aside as the area where the deity passes.