Shinto (literally, the way of the gods) is the native Japanese
religion. It originated in prehistoric times and has long played
an important role in Japanese society. The major shrines around
the country have often been power bases, closely tied with
Imperial and shogunal powers. Unlike the world's major
religions, Shinto has no fixed dogma, moral precepts, or sacred
scriptures. Perhaps for this reason, most Japanese quite easily
incorporate Shinto into their way of life alongside Buddhism and
even elements of Christianity without feeling a strong
attachment to or having a passionate belief in any of them.
Shinto is practiced at shrines (jinja), which are most easily
distinguished from Buddhist temples by the torii gates that mark
the entrance (photo). Shinto followers worship a huge array of
kami (gods or spirits) which personify all aspects of nature,
such as the sky, the earth, heavenly bodies, and natural
phenomena. Sacred objects, such as rocks or trees, can be
recognized by the shimenawa ropes and white