Shinto architecture

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Some examples of Shinto architectureShinto architecture is the architecture of Japanese Shinto shrines.

 History 

In Japan, the practice of designating sacred areas started in the Yayoi period (500 BC - 300 AD) based on the fundamental beliefs of Shintoism. Land features like mountains, waterfalls, rocks, and islands were considered capable of drawing kami and hence were revered as yorishiro.. 

In the beginning, sacred locations were likely marked with only a fence surrounding the area and a torii gate, at the entrance. Afterwards, temporary structures resembling modern portable shrines were built to receive the deities at the holy site.

As time passed, the temporary structures used to welcome the gods evolved into permanent structures that were dedicated solely to the gods. Ancient shrines were constructed in different styles such as dwellings (for example, Izumo Taisha) or storehouses (for example, Ise Grand Shrine).

The ancient shrine buildings had gabled roofs, raised floors, plank walls, and were either thatched with reed or covered with hinoki cypress bark.. In the past, the early shrines didn't have an area for people to worship..  Three important forms of architecture styles exist: , , and . 

Izumo Taisha, Nishina Shinmei Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha have each type respectively and were built at or before 552. 

The tradition of Shikinen sengū-sai states that buildings or shrines are regularly rebuilt according to the original design. This has been done throughout the centuries to preserve ancient styles up to the present day..Presently only the Ise Grand Shrine is being rebuilt every 20 years.

 Common features 
The following is a diagram illustrating the most important elements of a Shinto shrine:

  – Shinto gate
 Stone stairs
  – the approach to the shrine
 Chozuya or Temizuya – fountain to cleanse one's hands and face
  – decorative stone lanterns
  – building dedicated to  or the sacred  dance
  – the shrine's administrative office
 Ema – wooden plaques bearing prayers or wishes
 Setsumatsusha – small auxiliary shrines
  – the so-called "lion dogs", guardians of the shrine
  – oratory
  – fence surrounding the 
  – main hall, enshrining the .
 On the roof of the  and  are visible  (forked roof finials) and  (short horizontal logs), both common shrine ornamentations.

 Gallery 

 Related pages 
 List of Shinto shrines

 Notes 

 References 

 Sources 







Category:Shinto
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