Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Shintō
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Small wooden shrine at Arakura Sengen Shinto Shrine in Fujiyoshida, Japan, flanked by two traditional orange lanterns and surrounded by green foliage. Visitors walk up stone steps toward the large red and white main gate of Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, flanked by fox statues. Shintō deity Wooden torii gate and thatched-roof main hall at the entrance to the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, surrounded by trees in Ise, Mie, Japan. Konko-kyo Woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi showing Emperor Jimmu in flowing robes holding a long bow and staff with a bird, standing before radiating sunbeams as figures cower below. Shintō priests Shintō shrine Five Shinto monks in black robes and carrying straw hats walk in front of the bright orange and green buildings of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. Grand Shrine of Izumo
At a Glance
Grand Shrine of Izumo
Shintō summary
Related Questions
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Small wooden shrine at Arakura Sengen Shinto Shrine in Fujiyoshida, Japan, flanked by two traditional orange lanterns and surrounded by green foliage.
Shintō shrine Shintō shrine with paper streamers, Fujiyoshida, Japan.

Shintō

religion
Written by
Naofusa Hirai
Emeritus Professor of Shintō Studies, Kokugakuin University, Tokyo. Author of Japanese Shinto.
Naofusa Hirai
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

Shintō, indigenous religious beliefs and practices of Japan. The word Shintō, which literally means “the way of kami” (generally sacred or divine power, specifically the various gods or deities), came into use in order to distinguish indigenous Japanese beliefs from Buddhism, which had been introduced into Japan in the 6th century ce. Shintō has no founder, no official sacred scriptures in the strict sense, and no fixed dogmas, but it has preserved its guiding beliefs...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile