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Title |
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| 1 |
Aidono |
A structure enshrining multiple kami in addition to the principal object of worship ( shushin ). In some cases, the term aidono is used even when all jointly enshrined kami are considered principal objects of worship. Ｋami enshrined in an aidono are called aidono no kami (jointly en... |
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| 2 |
Beppyō jinja |
Literally, "shrines on the exceptional list." A classification given to certain shrines by the Association of Shinto Shrines (Jinja Honchō) in consideration of the shrine's pedigree or activities. In accordance with Article 5 of the Association's Regulations for Pr... |
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| 3 |
Betsugū |
Literally, "detached shrine" or "separate shrine." An auxiliary shrine existing in relation to a central or main shrine ( honsha , hongū ). Also called bessha . In practice, a detached shrine and its main shrine may be related in a variety of ways, but in princip... |
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| 4 |
Chokusaisha |
A shrine where an imperial envoy ( chokushi ) comes to perform rituals; officially known as a chokushi sankō no jinja ("shrine attended by imperial envoy"). Shrines designated as chokusai have existed since ancient times, as typified by the Heian-period system of "... |
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| 5 |
Edayashiro |
Literally, "branch shrine," a term used to describe a smaller auxiliary shrine located on the precincts of a larger shrine. Also called an edamiya , a shrine whose object of worship, in turn, is referred to as an edagami . The term edagami originally referred to a kami posse... |
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| 6 |
Gokoku jinja |
"Shrines for the protection of the nation," shrines dedicated to the spirits of individuals who died in Japanese wars from the end of the early modern period through World War II. Throughout most of the prewar period these shrines were known as shōkonsha or "spirit-... |
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| 7 |
Haiden |
The haiden is the building provided for the performance of ceremonies and for worshipping the shrine's kami . Normally located in the foreground of the shrine's sanctuary ( honden ), the haiden is usually built on a somewhat larger scale than the honden , and tends to be the st... |
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| 8 |
Heiden |
A shrine structure built to hold sacred offerings or heihaku , but most commonly constructed as a link between a shrine's sanctuary ( honden ) and hall of worship ( haiden ). In the architectural style called Gongen-zukuri , when the stone floor of the heiden is constructed at a level be... |
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| 9 |
Himorogi |
Originating in ancient times, himorogi refers to a temporarily erected sacred space or "altar" used as a locus of worship. Today, himorogi are represented by the demarcation of a physical area with branches of green bamboo or sakaki at the four corners, between which are ... |
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| 10 |
Hokora |
Also written 叢祠, 秀倉, 禿倉, 宝倉, 穂椋. A small shrine dedicated to a minor kami . The term may also be read hokura . Originally, the term referred to a storeroom ( kura ) raised on stilts for the storage of shrine treasures ( shinpō ). A passage in the Nihongi notes that "a shrine storehouse ( ... |
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| 11 |
Honden |
Also called seiden . The "sanctuary," or central structure of a shrine that houses the seat ( shinza ) of the deity worshipped there ( saijin ). The honden is considered the most sacred space within the shrine, and its sacred doors ( mitobira ) are normally kept closed and loc... |
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| 12 |
Iwakura |
A formation of rocks considered to be sacred to which a kami is invited to descend for worship. Together with ishigami (stone- kami ) and iwasaka , such forms of worship represent a type of rock-worshiping cult. As rites are repeated, the rocks themselves are worshipped as divine ston... |
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| 13 |
Iwasaka |
A stone altar or cairn erected in ancient times for the purpose of invoking the kami during worship. According to an "alternative tradition" describing the episode of the "Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild" ( tenson kōrin ) in the Nihongi , Takamimusubi erec... |
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| 14 |
Kaguraden |
A pavilion or stage used for the offering of sacred dance ( kagura ). Also called maidono . Permanent structures for the performance of ritual dance appeared from the late Heian period and spread widely during the subsequent Kamakura period. In some cases, one part of another shrine s... |
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| 15 |
Kannabi |
The place where a kami resides, especially a sacred forest or mountain. The word appears to originate from a term meaning "divine seclusion," and is considered a synonym for the word mimoro , an ancient name for Mt. Miwa. Man'yōshū includes numerous verses that emplo... |
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| 16 |
Karidono |
Also called kariden . A "provisional hall" used to temporarily house the divine emblem ( shintai ), as opposed to the main sanctuary ( honden ). Such provisional structures are necessary when rebuilding or repairing the main shrine, in cases of disaster, or when installi... |
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| 17 |
Katsuogi, Chigi |
Two characteristic features of shrine architecture, katsuogi refer to log-like sections laid horizontally along and perpendicular to, the ridge line of the structure, while chigi refer to poles that appear to extend from the roof's gableboards, intersecting at the ridge an... |
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| 18 |
Kenmusha |
"Jointly administered shrine." A shrine lacking its own parish priest that is served by a priest belonging to another shrine. This system is an inevitable result of the fact that the number of Shinto shrines far outstrips the number of available professional priests, an... |
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| 19 |
Kinsokuchi |
"Tabooed land," a type of sacred space. Normally found within a shrine's precincts ( keidaichi ) or related lands, humans are not permitted to enter tabooed land since it is believed that a divine spirit dwells or descends. Typical examples of tabooed land would incl... |
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| 20 |
Komainu |
[Koma inu] Literally, "Korean lions," paired figures of lion tutelaries found at the entryway to shrine buildings, or alongside their torii or approachways. Also written 高麗犬 or 胡麻犬. Most are made of stone, although bronze, iron, wood, and ceramic examples can also be f... |
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