Japanese Shinto

Shinto is Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition centered on Kami—spirits or deities representing natural forces, ancestors, and sacred sites. It emphasizes harmony with nature, purification rituals, and reverence for ancestors and the environment. Shinto practices often involve visiting shrines, offerings, festivals, and ceremonies to honor Kami and seek their blessings. It is not a structured religion with dogmas but a way of life that fosters respect for nature and community. Shinto influences many aspects of Japanese culture, celebrating life's cycles and the divine presence in everyday surroundings.