Shintoism
A Japanese religion dating from the early 8th century and incorporating the worship of ancestors and nature spirits and a belief in sacred power ( kami ) in both animate and inanimate things.
Distinctions
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Summary
Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan. The name means "the way of the gods." Shinto religion is closely involved with the landscape of Japan, and with the ancestors of believers. Shinto ceremonies appeal to kami, the mysterious powers of nature, for protection and benevolent treatment. Kami are associated with natural features such as caves, rocks, streams, trees, and particularly mountains.
At fixed times during the year believers gather to celebrate community ceremonies in Shinto shrines, but individuals often visit shrines to mark important stages or events in their lives. Some shrines are linked to particular kami, for example there are fox shrines, horse shrines, and wolf shrines. There are also certain kami which are associated with areas, groups of people, or with different aspects of life such as youth or old age.
Symbol
All Shinto shrines have a large gate called a torii, consisting of two upright bars and two crossbars. The torii can be seen standing alone in lakes, mountains or trees and other places associated with these mysterious powers in nature.
Worldwide Numbers
Shinto worship is found only among the Japanese. Many Japanese follow both Buddhist and Shinto beliefs and hold ceremonies in the different traditions, depending on the occasion, so numbers are hard to estimate.
Holy Places
The whole Japanese landscape is central to Shintoism, but Mount Fuji is regarded as the supreme home of the gods. Pilgrims usually ascend the snow-capped mountain on foot.
Holy Writings
Shinto literature explains Shinto mythology and describes the laws governing the religion, the administration of the shrines and othe order and detail of the ceremonies.
Key Links
Additional in-depth information here on Wikipedia.