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Japan: Sumiyoshi Taisha, the Shrine Protector of the Sea in Osaka
Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi kami, the deities associated with...
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Japan: Tenjin, the Deified Spirit of Sugawara no Michizane
Sugawara no Michizane was a renowned scholar and politician of Japan’s Heian period, celebrated for his intellect and integrity. After...
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Japan: Osaka Tenmangu, the Legacy of Sugawara no Michizane
Osaka Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka city. It has a rich history that stretches back over a thousand years....
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Japan: Kami, Spirits of Nature and Ancestors in Shinto Tradition
Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, centers around the worship of Kami, which are revered spirits or deities. The Kami can...
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Japan: Jingu, Taisha, Jinja, the Hierarchy of Shinto Shrines
Shinto shrines in Japan are categorized into several groups, each with its specific significance and importance. Ranging from small local...
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Japan: Shimenawa and Shide, Shinto Spiritual Symbols
The decorative and symbolic elements of Shinto shrines, such as shimenawa and shide, play a crucial role in Japanese tradition and...
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Japan: The Floating Torii of Itsukushima Jinja
The Grand Torii of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols and one of the most famous torii gates in the country....
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Japan: Itsukushima Jinja, the Shrine of the Three Deities
Itsukushima Shrine is located on the sacred island of Itsukushima (commonly referred to as Miyajima) in Hiroshima Prefecture. As part of...
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Japan: The 5 Most Beautiful Torii for Long Exposure Photography
Emblematic of Japanese culture, Torii are found throughout the territory. Symbolizing the passage into a world of spiritual purity, these...
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Japan: The Torii, Symbols of Purity and Spiritual Transition
The Torii are not just architectural elements that define the landscapes and sacred spaces of Japan. They embody the very essence of...
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Japan: Shirahige and its Floating Torii on Lake Biwa
The Shirahige Shrine, located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is famous for its floating Torii, a symbol of the...
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