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SHRINE GUIDE
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SHINTO
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TYPES OF SHRINE
Adapted from Writings of Kondo Takahiro; used with permission
Japan is home to nearly 90,000 Shinto shrines (outside link). These are classified into a bewildering number of groups and sects by academics, historians, the government, and believers. Click here for classifications. Despite great confusion in classification schemes, four types of shrine are predominant:
 
Hachimangu Shrines worship the 15th Emperor, Ojin, who was long ago deified as the god Hachiman (lit. "eight banners" which supposedly fell from heaven in legends involving Ojin). These shrines typically deify three figures -- Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu, and Ojin's wife Himegami. Hachiman is worshipped as the god of archery and war and later became the tutelary deity of the Minamoto Clan (esp. Minamoto Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate). The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura ranks among the most prestigious shrines in Japan, and many of the photos on this page were taken here. Ojin, his mother, and his wife were first enshrined at Usa Hachimangu in Oita Prefecture. Click here for details about one of Japan's most noted Hachimangu Shrines, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura City.
 
Deceased individuals are sometimes deified and thereafter worshipped as Tenjin (lit. "heavenly spirit" or "heavenly god"). Shrines devoted to Michizane Sugawara (845 - 903 AD) and to Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912 AD) are the two most prominent examples of Tenjin shrines. Michizane (courtier in the Heian period) was deified after death, for his demise was followed shortly by a plague in Kyoto, said to be his revenge for being exiled. Michizane is the patron deity of scholarship, learning, and calligraphy. Every year on the 2nd of January, students go to his shrines to ask for help in the tough school entrance exams or to offer their first calligraphy of the year. Egara Tenjin (in Kamakura) is one of the three most revered Tenjin in Japan, and among the three largest. The other two are Dazaifu Tenmangu (near Fukuoka; Dazaifu is where Michizane was exiled), and Kitano Tenjin in Kyoto (Michizane's birthplace). Of a total of about 90,000 Shinto shrines in Japan, there are about 11,000 Tenjin or Tenmangu shrines (editor's note: must find source of this number).
 
Jingu Shrines are associated with the Imperial Family. Most notable are Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Ise Jingu in Ise (dedicated to the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu), Heian Jingu in Kyoto, and Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya. For details on Amaterasu, please see Shinto Concepts. For more on Imperial House Shinto, please click here.
 
Inari (also called Oinari or Oinari-sama) is the god/goddess of rice and the harvest, and is popularly associated with the kitsune (fox) deity, said to be Inari's messenger. Characteristics of Inari shrines are vermilion torii (gates) protected by a pair of fox statues, one on the left, and one on the right. There are more than 20,000 Inari shrines nationwide (says the Wharton School). Curiously, most Japanese no longer distinguish between the god (Inari) and the messenger (fox or kitsune) -- for all practical purposes, the two have been amalgamated into one deity. Inari lore is quite complex and confusing, and some say Inari represents a hybrid Shinto-Buddhist deity.
- Other Shrine Types
Clan-specific, or family-specific, shrines. The Ujigami are clan or village deities who are responsible for a particular community or locality, and in many cases, they represent the ancestors who founded the village (e.g., Fujiwara Shrine, Kasuga Shrine, Tachibana Shrine, Umemiya Shrine). The protective deity of one's birthplace is called ubusunagami, and all the people living in one locality worshipping the local deity are called ujiko.
 Suitengu Shrines 水天宮
Devoted to the Deity of Water, known as Suijin or Suiten or Mizu no Kamisama. This Shinto deity, often a goddess, protects not only fishermen but also serves as the patron saint of fertility, motherhood, and easy childbirth. She is mostly worshipped at "Suiten-gu" Shrines throughout Japan, and votive stone markers devoted to her can be found frequently in the countryside. The Suiten-gu Shrine in Kurume (Fukuoka) is the main shrine of all Suiten-gu Shrines in Japan. It is especially famous to those praying for safe and easy childbirth. For many more details, please visit the Suijin Page.
 Mt. Fuji & Sengen Shrines
www.japan-guide.com
浅間神社 (せんげん). Sengen Shrines (also read "Asama") are dedicated to the mythical princess Konohana Sakkuya Hime (also spelled Konohanasakuya; also known as Koyasu-sama), the Shinto deity of Mount Fuji and of cherry trees in bloom. The Shinto goddess Koyasu-sama is also revered as a goddess who grants easy childbirth. But after Buddhism gained a strong foothold in Japan, Koyasu-sama was supplanted by her Buddhist equivalents, known as Koyasu Kishibojin, Koyasu Kannon, and Koyasu Jizo. For more, please see Guardians of Children. More than one thousand Sengen Shrines exist across Japan, with the head shrines standing at the foot and the summit of Mount Fuji itself. More on Asama Shrine here (Japanese site).
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CLASSIFYING SHINTO SHRINES AND SECTS
Japan's Shinto shrines and sects are classified into a bewildering number of categories by academics, historians, the government, and believers. The most prevalent schemes are discussed below:
- Jinja Shinto (Shrine Shinto)
- Koshitsu Shinto
(Imperial House Shinto, State Shinto, Jingu Shinto)
- Minzoku Shinto (Folk Shinto)
- Shuha Shinto
(Sect Shinto, New Sect Shinto, New Religions)
- Other Categories
Below Text Adapted from Various Web Resources
Special thanks to the following web sites:
- www.csuchico.edu/~georgew/tsa/nl/teaching_about.html
- http://school.phippy.com/shinto/state.html
- www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htm
- www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6292
- www.jinja.or.jp/english/s-1.html
Jinja Shinto (Shrine Shinto)
This is generally considered the largest Shinto grouping. It represents the indigenous form of Shinto, with its roots dating back into pre-history. Almost all shrines in Japan are members of the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines). Association membership includes about 80,000 shrines out of approximately 90,000 Shinto shrines (outside link) nationwide.
Jinja Shinto was co-opted by State (Imperial House) Shinto from the Meiji Era until the end of World War II. In February 1946, in response to a 1945 decree by occupation authorities entitled "The Shinto Directive," Japan's many shrines formed an organization known as the "Association of Shinto Shrines (Jinja Honcho)," with the aim of upholding Japan's Shinto traditions. The association, however, is not a religious institution per se -- it was not organized by followers under a particular spiritual leader, and there are no fixed doctrines or holy scriptures (although the association considers the Grand Shrine of Ise to be its main focus of reverence).
Source: The Columbia Encyclopedia
Shinto is the ancient native religion of Japan still practiced in a form modified by the influence of Buddhism and Confucianism. In its present form, Shinto is characterized less by religious doctrine or belief, than by the observance of popular festivals and traditional ceremonies and customs, many involving pilgrimages to shrines. Shinto, a term created to distinguish the indigenous religion from Buddhism, is the equivalent of the Japanese kami-no-michi, "the way of the gods."
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Koshitsu Shinto, Jingu Shinto, Imperial House Shinto
Shinto of the Imperial House, the form practiced by the Emperor and his family. Shrines in this grouping are called Jingu (not Jinja). The term "jingu" signifies that the shrine is associated with the Imperial Family. Notable shrines are Ise Jingu in Ise (dedicated to the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu) and Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya. Imperial Shrines were directly funded and administered by the government during the era of State Shinto (from start of Meiji Era to end of WWII), including a number of shrines built during the Meiji Era, such as Tokyo's Meiji Shrine and Kyoto's Heian Shrine. Imperial shrines can be identified by the imperial family's crest (chrysanthemum crest), and are called "jingu" rather than "jinja."
Imperial House Shinto is devoted to worshipping the sun goddess, Amarterasu, for the Japanese emperor claims direct descent from her lineage. For details on Amaterasu, please see Shinto Concepts. State Shinto arose at the beginning of the Meiji Era and lasted until the end of World War II. It was meant to strengthen the Japanese identity and devotion to the emperor. During the era of State Shinto, local shrine teachings and festivals were brought into line with the national doctrine, and local Shinto priests lost the authority to do much except conduct ceremonies. After WWII, State Shinto was dismantled and replaced by Jinja Shinto (see above). Jinja Shinto now represents the bulk of Shinto shrines at the regional and local levels. Government funding of Jinja shrines was halted after WWII, in line with decrees made by occupation authorities.
Japan's defeat in World War II resulted in the disestablishment of state Shinto. In 1946 in a New Year's rescript, Emperor Hirohito destroyed its chief foundation by disavowing his divinity; in the same year Gen. Douglas MacArthur forbade the use of public funds to support Shinto. In present-day Shinto there is no dogmatic system and no formulated code of morals. Shinto practices can be found abroad wherever large Japanese communities exist, as in the United States and South America. <above paragraph quoted from "The Columbia Encyclopedia">
Quote from Jinja Honcho. "The Shinto of the Imperial House was the core of State Shinto, and after the denaturalization order (after WWII), it has been carried on as the rites of the Imperial House. The Emperor was the center of the State in this Shintoistic sense, and at the same time was himself the high priest of the gods and the superintendent of all worship of the gods." (Jinja Honcho's "Outline of Shinto Teachings," Tokyo, 1959)
Imperial Shinto since Meiji Era. When the capital of Japan was transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, three shrines were erected inside Tokyo's Imperial Palace.
- Kashikodokoro; enshrines imperial ancestral deity (Amaterasu); centered among the three
- Shinden; east side; enshrines the deities of heaven and earth
- Koreiden; west side; enshrines the spirits of successive emperors
In addition to these three, a fourth structure, the Shinkaden, was built in order to perform Niinamesai. These shrines are connected by corridors, and all the rites of Koshitsu (Imperial House) Shinto are performed within the compound. Imperial House Shinto involves rituals performed by the emperor, who the Japanese Constitution defines as the "symbol of the state and the unity of the people." The most important ritual is Niinamesai, an annual offering by the emperor to the deities of the first fruits of each year's grain harvest. Male and female clergy (Shoten and Nai-Shoten) assist the emperor in the performance of these rites.
Minzoku Shinto (Folk Shinto)
Folk Shinto is closely associated with Jinja Shinto (Shrine Shinto), but with no formal central organization, no systemization, no creed. It is found most typically in rural practices (e.g. small protector images by the side of the road called Dosojin) and in agricultural rituals practiced by individual families and localities. In many ways, Folk Shinto is inseparable from Jinja Shinto. However, during the reign of the 40th Emperor Temmu (673 - 686 AD), Folk Shinto was segregated from Jinja Shinto when the government of that day set up rules to control Japan's age-old rituals and festivals. Even so, Folk Shinto continued to develop under its own steam, often borrowing from or merging with Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions. Today, Folk Shinto is an umbrella term for the myriad rituals and festivals occurring throughout Japan at the local level, without any nationwide organization or overarching system/creed. In agricultural communities today, for example, rituals are still performed by a layman and often without involving Shinto priests. A member of the community (often a young boy) is nominated as the "Toya." He performs various rites of worship for the local deity for one year under a rotation system. In the following year, another youth will be selected. Other examples of Folk Shinto are the rites of passage (e.g., Japan-style baptisms, marriage ceremonies).
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Shuha Shinto (Sect Shinto, also called Kyoha Shinto)
Shinko Shinto (New Sect Shinto, New Religions)
Sectarian Shinto refers to the 13 sects founded by specific leaders during the 19th century, during the Tokugawa Era and early Meiji Era. It also refers to the new religions (Shinko Shinto, New Sect Shinto) that were founded after the second world war. The term also incorporates Confucian sects, mountain sects, purification sects, and faith-healing sects.
Sect Shinto arose from religious movements during the Tokugawa Era, an era during which the shogunate extended official protection to established religious groups. But the established groups were often divorced from the concerns of the commoners, who desired a more individual religious experience. Long years of peace led to popular practices such as spontaneous mass pilgrimages to the Shrine of Ise and regular pilgrimages to other famous shrines. The objects of common prayer were such worldly benefits as the curing of disease, protection from disasters, the gaining of riches, and success. But the established religious groups appeared unable or unwilling to respond to the religious demands of the common people, and this prompted the founding of sectarian Shinto groups, with the founders and followers coming largely from the ranks of the common people.
Each group has a founder and its own doctrines. Although they typically worship the traditional Shinto deities of heaven and earth, and follow traditional Shinto forms in their rites and festivals, most emphasize worship of their own central deity. In the Meiji Era, these movements were organized into the following thirteen main sects. The date of formal recognition of the sect is indicated in parentheses.
- Fusokyo (1882)
Organized by SHISHINO Nakaba after the Meiji Restoration
- Izumo Oyashirokyo (1882)
Organized by SENGE Takatomi after the Meiji Restoration
- Jikkokyo (1882)
Organized by SHIBATA Hanamori after the Meiji Restoration
- Konkokyo (1900)
Founded by AKAZAWA Bunji in the late Tokugawa period
- Kurozumikyo (1876)
Founded by KUROZUMI Munetada in the late Tokugawa period
One of the largest Shinto sects
- Misogikyo (1894)
Founded by INOUE Masakane in the late Tokugawa period
- Ontakekyo, formerly known as Mitakekyo (1882)
Organized by SHIMOYAMA Osuke after the Meiji Restoration
- Shinrikyo (1894)
Founded by SANO Tsunehiko after the Meiji Restoration
- Shinshukyo (1882)
Founded by YOSHIMURA Masamochi after the Meiji Restoration
- Shinto Shusei-ha (1876)
Founded by NITTA Kuniteru after the Meiji Restoration
- Shinto Taikyo; before WWII known simply as Shinto (1886)
Organized as coordinating center of Shinto sects after Meiji Restoration
- Taiseikyo (1882)
Organized by HIRAYAMA Seisai after the Meiji Restoration
- Tenrikyo (1908)
Founded by NAKAYAMA Miki in the late Tokugawa period; one of the largest Shinto Sects; claim around 3 million followers
New Sect Shinto. These new religions were founded after the second world war, and they tend to combine elements of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and folk faiths (e.g., Yin Yang school). Many of the new religions have Shinto doctrines but, with the exception of Taikyo, have separated themselves from Shinto. They have about 10 million followers. Some of the newer sects stress world peace and brotherhood as part of their philosophy.
New Religions
Below text courtesy of Kokugakuin University
Reiha no Hikari Kyokai ,  established in 1956 by Hase Yoshio (1915-84). Headquarted in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture; reported membership is approximately 740,000. Many other new groups have appeared since the end of World War II. They include Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan; Sukyo Mahikari; Suhikari Koha Sekai Shindan; Agonshu; Shinnyoen; Reiha no Hikari Kyokai; and Oyamanezu no Mikoto Shinji Kyokai. Most are comprised of relatively young members; many have apparently already passed their peak and are stagnant or experiencing declining memberships. Please visit the Kokugakuin University link below for more on these groups. Their site includes an online Shinto dictionary.
www.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cpjr/newreligions/inoue.html#para0030
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Confused Yet? Still More Categories
There are more categories as well. Below is a sampling:
- Restoration Shinto (Fukko Shinto)
- Ise Shinto
- Confucianistic Shinto (Jugaku Shinto)
- Shingon Shinto; also called Ryobu Shinto, an interpretation of Shinto according to the doctrines of the Shingon sect of Buddhism; emerged in Heian Era
- Suiga Shinto
- Tendai Shinto; an interpretation of Shinto according to the doctrines of the Tendai sect of Buddhism; emerged in Heian Era
- Yoshida Shinto
- Yoshikawa Shinto
- Dual Shinto; The merger between Buddhism and Shinto is called Philosophical or Dual Shinto (also the merger between Buddhism and Taoism and Confucianism); also called Ryobu Shinto
- Shamanic Shinto; Shamanic Shinto is an extremely complex area which deals with shamans and shamanesses, and the activity of spirits phenomena that don't fit into Western scientific paradigms
SHINTO AND BUDDHISM
Comparing the above four basic Shinto classifications with the four mainstream forms of Mahayana Buddhism in Japan, one might posit the below "guideline." (Source unknown)
- Zen could be regarded as Folk Shinto
- Nichiren could be regarded as Sect Shinto
Nichiren's sub-sects, Nichiren-shu, Nichiren Sho-shu, and Soka Gakkai, could be considered Sect Shinto sub-sects. Tenrikyo (3M followers), a Sect Shinto sub-sect, since 1970, is not regarded as a Shinto sect, like Soka Gakkai (the later declared itself independent of Nichiren)
- Pure Land can be regarded as Jinja, the mainstream
- Tendai can be regarded as Kohitsu, the refined form practised by the Emperor
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