His journey includes the slaying of a great evil dragon, and the sword he held in the battle is preserved in one of the three major shrines of Japan - Atsuta Shrine. The Ise Shrine also holds his belonging, the mirror which acted as his shield. As in the Kami-dana, the mirror, with its reflection has a special effect on the Japanese. Many historical buildings are found where lakes and rivers offer another version of the buildings in its reflection. Here, Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple combines the Buddhist style of architecture to the Shinto doctrine of reflections.
Cleanliness is a main factor, and the gods are pictured as disliking insincerity and disorder.
Shinto emphasizes right practice, sensibility, and attitude over conceptual understanding of the universe and holiness, respect for nature is permeated throughout the society in Japan. Nature, in its unmeasurable power and beauty, is understood as the manifestation of divine power. The power of nature lies in the hands of the gods, and to drive the forces of nature to the favorable side is only possible through seeking blessings from the divine. Since Japan's earliest days, Shinto has been the code of honor and action for the Japanese. It gives the Japanese citizens customs, doctrines, and a general respect for purity, sincerity, and cleanliness.