Jinja are Shinto shrines where the Kami-sama (nature spirits) reside. They are also places where ceremonies and Shinto services are performed.
The architectural styles of Jinja are numerous and they are different from Buddhist temples.
When you visit a Jinja, you pass through a gate called Torii, this indicates that you are about to enter sacred space. Before entering the sacred space and after leaving it, it is customary to bow once, towards the sacred space / the shrine, where the Kami-sama reside.
Japanese people usually visit Jinja during seasonal events and to receive blessings. People also come to pray to the Kami-sama for their happiness, success, good fortune, and more.
A Jinja consists of different buildings and areas. They vary for different Shinto shrines.
Our Shrine does not yet have a publicly accessible Shrine building, but we are actively fundraising to re-establish a public Shinto Shrine in Los Angeles. Please visit our Kitsune Club Rent Support page to learn more about our campaign and how you can support us.
参道 Sandō: the pathways approaching a Shinto shrine. They can be categorized as front (表参道 omote-sandō), rear (裏参道 ura-sandō), or side (脇参道 waki-sandō) paths.
鳥居 Torii: the gate marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred space of the Kami-sama.
手水舎 Temizuya: the purification spring found at the entrance of Shinto shrines, where visitors cleanse themselves before approaching the main shrine. This purification removes the Kegare (spiritual impurity) before meeting the Kami-sama.
拝殿 Haiden: the building designated for ceremonies and for praying to the shrine’s Kami-sama.
本殿 Honden: the central structure of a Shinto shrine, serving as the dwelling place of the enshrined Kami-sama. This area is not open to the public.
授与所 Juyosho / 社務所 Shamusho: the Shrine Office and reception area, where you can receive Juyohin (Shinto Items) and also request Gokitō (Shinto Blessing Ceremonies).
