shinto

Everyday

(religion) Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan, in which people honour spirits called kami that are believed to live in nature (mountains, trees, rivers), in places and in ancestors. tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons, Shinto is studied alongside Buddhism, as many Japanese people follow both. Followers visit Shinto shrines, marked by a red gate called a torii, to pray and ask for luck, washing their hands and mouth first. Festivals (matsuri) and New Year visits are important. Shinto followers believe the kami should be respected.

Examples

• Shinto is the oldest religion of Japan. tree →
• A red torii gate marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. tree →
• Shinto followers believe in spirits called kami. tree →
• People wash their hands before praying at a Shinto shrine. tree →
• Many Japanese families celebrate both Shinto and Buddhist festivals. tree →
• Mount Fuji is a sacred place in Shinto. tree →
• We learnt about Shinto in our world religions topic. tree →

Note

Capital S: Shinto. Means "the way of the gods" in Japanese. Not a person's word: someone who follows it is a Shinto follower or practitioner. Say beliefs as "followers believe".