SHINTO
Shinto is the oldest religion in Japan. It has no scripture, and is centered on the worship of nature.
The name Shinto is derived from two words: ‘shin,’ meaning kami or gods; and ‘to,’ or do, meaning path. Therefore, Shinto means “the kami way,” or the “way of the gods.”
Shinto by Asian Art Museum
In Shinto, they believe in the kami – the gods that are found in nature. In Japanese history, important people and heroes are also worshiped as kami.
They have no recognized sacred text. However, Kohiki and Nihongi are important collections of ritual prayers to the kami.
Main divisions in Shinto
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Jinja Shinto – this is the conventional Shinto worship in government-registered shrines.
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Kyoha Shinto – groups and sects that are not affiliated with government-recognized shrines.
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Tsuzoku Shinto – Shinto groups and practices that are mostly localized in scope.
Major kami:
Amaterasu-o-mikami, Sun Goddess
Ameno-minaka-nushi-no-kami, Kami of the Center of Heaven
Takamimusubi-no-mikoto, Kami of Birth
Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, Parents of the Eight Islands and other kami
Susano-o-no-mikoto Heaven, Kami of the High Plain of Heaven
Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto, Moon Goddess
Okuninushi-no-kami, Kami of Izumo
Ninigi-no-mikoto, Ruler of Japan
Types of worship:
Norito – public worship
Harai – purification
Shinsen – offering
Naorai – symbolic feast
 Kami refers to Shinto gods found in nature. |  The Grand Shrine of Ise in Nara Prefecture is designated as the highest Shinto temple. |
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 Shinto is nature-centric and is translated as "the way of the gods." |  A torii is mostly seen at the entrance of temples, however, they also signify praising and dedication to the nature gods. |
 Japanese shinsen offerings is one of the most common and important rites in a Shinto temple. |  Shinto emphasizes the relationship of man and nature. |