shinto Posts

This `Fox Village` Is One of the Cutest Places On Earth!

Some in Japan believe that foxes are sly creatures, the messengers of Inari Okami, the Shinto god of fertility, prosperity and rice.

Nature's Fury: Incredible Moments of Great Lightning.

Other gods related to lightning are the Aztec god Tlaloc, the Mayas' God K, Thor in Norse mythology, Ukko in Finnish mythology, the Hindu god Indra, and the Shinto god Raijin.

10 Magnificent Cityscapes Carved Out Of Plain White Paper

In the Shinto religion, white paper, or 'kami', is considered a sacred material, as the same word also means 'spirit', 'divinity', and 'God' in Japanese.

Have You Ever Seen Japan Through the Eyes of a Cat?

The Floating Torii Gate in Hiroshima is the most iconic Shinto shrine in Japan View this post on Instagram A post shared by Traveling Cat (@the.traveling.cats) on Oct 29, 2018 at 5:59am PDT 6.

The Fascinating Afterlife of Different Cultures...

Shinto According to ancient Japanese legends, the dead enter a dark subterranean place called Yomi, where a river separates the living from the dead.

15 Incredible Images of Real Life on Japan's Streets

Takashi Yasui Yet people also take great care of themselves when it comes to spiritual matters, combing Shinto, a form of local ancestor worship, with the meditative religion of Buddhism.

These Architectural Masterpieces Deserve to Be Admired

It's famous for its Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Image source: Reddit 6. Inner walls of Ta Prohm monastery, Cambodia, Khmer Empire, 12th-13th century Image source: Reddit 7. Athens, Greece Image source: Reddit Related: 11 Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide Inspired by Nature 8.

I'm in Awe! 15 Intriguing Bridal Gowns from Around the World

Japan Source In a Shinto ceremony (an ethnic religion in Japan, establishing a connection between present-day Japan and its ancient past), the bride and groom wear traditional kimonos. The white headdress that the bride is wearing is known as a tsunokakushi. 8.

How the World Celebrated the New Year of 2014!

Japan Shinto priests stride across special lanterns to put the finishing touches on a ritual to usher in the new year, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo. Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nepal A man lights a butter lamp during evening prayers in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Meet the 13 Most Influential Japanese Gods and Goddesses

The most prominent of these deities are the Shinto gods, who are revered as guardians of nature, fertility, and agriculture. Amaterasu, the sun goddess and supreme ruler of the heavens, and Susanoo, the god of storms and the sea, are two of the most well-known Shinto deities.

10 Adorable Sea Animals You Would Love to be Friends With

In fact, a Japanese diver Hiroyuki Arakawa has become famous for sharing a nearly 30-year long friendship with a Yoriko he met in an underwater Shinto shrine. Share this post with those who love nature and wildlife!

The Stories Behind these Historic Swords are Fascinating

The Kusanagi A Japanese legend has it that this mysterious sword was found in the body of a legendary eight-headed serpent that was killed by the Shinto god of sea and storms, Susano.

I've Never Seen Gardens as Beautiful as the Japanese Ones

Japanese Gardens can be found in private homes, in neighborhoods or city parks, and at historical landmarks such as Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and old castles around the world.

Some Places Look As If They've Come Out of a Storybook.

Bamboo plays a significant role in many Asian cultures- it is a symbol of longevity in China, a symbol of friendship in India, and in Japan many Shinto shrines are surrounded by a bamboo forest which is considered a sacred barrier against the evil.

The Most Breathtakingly Beautiful National Parks in Japan

Nikkō is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features shrines, Shinto temples, and various landscapes such as waterfalls, woods, lakes, and volcanoes. The national park is especially beautiful in fall, with Setoaikyo Canyon decorated in fiery foliage.

Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures

Located close to Mount Fuji, it is considered sacred to the Shinto religion. A view of the inland sea at Matsushima Island. The Meiji era lasted from October 23rd, 1868, until July 30th, 1912.

You’ve Got to Read These Tips Before Traveling to Japan

Entry to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples is free of charge, though prayer costs around 10 yen, and inscribing a plaque with a wish costs 500-1,000 yen.

Looking For Some Me-Time? Try These 7 Peaceful Places

Ise Jingu, Japan Image source: Wikimedia Commons Known as "the soul of Japan," Ise Jingu includes 125 Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. While it’s extremely popular, the place is never too crowded and always provides a relaxing and tranquil environment.