Shrines in Japan

Shrines are an important part of the Japanese culture, they are considered as the holy abode of the Kami, sacred objects of whom are kept in the innermost chamber of the shrine away from the prying eyes of ordinary mortals.

The Japanese people visit these shrines for a number of reasons ranging from paying respect to the Kami gods or to pray for a prosperous future. People also flock to these shrines during special occasions like New Year, setsubun, shichigosan, etc.

New born babies are usually taken to these shrines and marriages also take place in these shrines.

There are lakhs of shrines across the island state of Japan and they can be categorized into Major Groups of Shrines for a better understanding

- Imperial Shrines in Japan
These shrines are distinguished from the other shrines because of the presence of chrysanthemum belonging to the royal family and are referred to as jingu. These shrines were built and maintained directly by the government during the period of State Shinto and constitute of some of the most important shrines that are found in Japan.

- Inari Shrines in Japan
These shrines are dedicated to the God of rice Inari and are symbolized by the fox statues which are taken to be the messenger of the rice God. There are thousands of Inari shrines in Japan with the Fushimi Inari Shrine being the most well known.

- Hachiman Shrines in Japan
This shrine is dedicated to the God of war Hachiman and was a rage among the military clan. These shrines are also found in plenty all over the country with the kamakura's Tsurugaoka Hachimangu being the most famous.

- Tenjin Shrines in Japan
These shrines are built in the memory of a Hejan Period Scholar and politician who is also considered quite popular among students preparing for competitive exams and tests. Visiting these shrines is supposed to bring them luck, and they are recognized by ox statues and the favorite trees of Michizane, the plum trees.

- Sengen Shrines in Japan
These shrines are meant to appease Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shinto Diety of Mount Fiji and there are a number of shrines across Japan with the most I,mportant ones being situated at the head and the summit of Mount Fuji itself.

- Shrines Dedicated to Clans in Japan
These shrines have been dedicated to the founders of important clans in Japan and some of the more famous such shrines include the Toshugu Shrines which are found in abundance.

- Local Shrines in Japan
These are some stand alone shrines that are found locally and they could have a varying degree of importance without being related to one another.