Shinto resources
Kokugakuin Encyclopedia of Shinto
Shinto Shrines (a website based on Joseph Cali and John Dougill’s guide to Shinto Shrines)
Mark Schumacher’s Shinto Guidebook (part of the excellent Photo Dictionary of Buddhism)
Sacred Sites in Japan
Shinto Online Network Association
Association of Shinto Shrines (jinja Honcho)
International Shinto Foundation
Heritage of Japan (a wonderful resource of published articles about ancient Japan)
International Shinto
Japanese Dutch Shinzen Foundation (based in Amsterdam and run by Paul de Leeuw)
Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America (based near Seattle and run by Rev. Barrish)
Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha–Dazaifu Tenmangu (based in Honolulu and run by Rev Masa Takizawa)
Shinto in the UK (Facebook group)
Texas Shinto Study Group (a community of Texans who study Shinto and practice misogi)
Sacred Texts
A list of useful links can be found here, including Kojiki, Nihongi, and Yengishiki
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/index.htm
Introductions to Shinto
Japan National Tourism Organization
Japan Guide
California Polytechnic State University
Selected list of kami
Pantheism
World Pantheism
Kyoto-related
Deep Kyoto
Kyoto Journal
Hailstones haiku group
Japan general
amyonasia.com (Columnist Amy Chavez’s perspective from the Inland Sea)
Daruma san (Gabi Greve’s blog about Japanese culture)
More Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan (OjisanJake’s wonderful photos)
Korean connections
David Mason’s San-shin Website
Hello
I am fascinated by your blog, and would love your knowledge and assistance. I will be going to Japan next week, and want to be immeresed in a Shinto Shrine. My goal would be to learn their rituals, participate in their meditation and energy work, and volunteer my services in exchange for my stay. I am very focused on working towards full immersion into shamanic practices, yet most places I found are focuse on foreigners who just want to “experience” stay in a temple and rather look into a tourist stay observer. I am eager to work hard and learn, and would love your help in finding shrines that accept such workers.
Look forward to hearing from you
Thank you
Astrid
Thank you for the query, Astrid. Unfortunately I do not know of any places that would take you on in the manner you suggest. As you say, shrines are willing to offer ‘experiences’ to foreigners such as a day’s visit, but not immersion or training. They take these things very seriously, and you would have to build up trust over a period of time by doing volunteer work, etc to show your commitment. It’s not something you could do on a short stay or vacation. On the other hand, should you meet the right priest who believes in you…
Hi John, I am a postgraduate student at the School of Oriental and African Studies and I am extremely excited by – and interested in – your work. I would love to contact you to discuss several things regarding Shinto, religious identity and ritualistic practice in – and outside of – Japan. I am writing a thesis on these particular issues. Please contact me via email if you have time, I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you for the message, and I will contact you privately by email. Your thesis sounds as if it will be of interest to a lot of people on the Green Shinto list.
Hi there,
Would you be able to tell me more about this image http://www.greenshinto.com/2017/12/30/18361/
Do you know who the artist is of what the style is?
Good day. That is what is known as an ema (votive plaque, or prayer board). They typically cost ¥500 and are bought at the shrine office, after which the worshipper writes their name and wish on the back side before hanging it up in public for the kami to bestow its grace. They are typically done by a professional company, so I’m afraid it’s impossible to say who the artist is. This being the year of the dog you are likely to come across many such images when visiting shrines. My advice would be to ask the office staff about the artist and style.
Many thanks. Enjoying your Facebook page, keep going B
What are some contacts for getting into a shinto / volunteer situation?
-Or at the same shrine referenced in this post
You normally need to establish a connection with a shrine first, such as by an introduction by an influential figure such as a priest. Alternatively, you should live in the parish and volunteer to do work such as sweeping the grounds.