--- title: Shinto Architecture author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto_Architecture/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2024-07-17 --- # Shinto Architecture _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ The [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) of the 80,000 [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) shrines in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) varies depending on geographical location, the deity worshipped, and the date of foundation. The earlier Shinto shrines tend to be simpler and less decorative affairs than those which came after the introduction of [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) and Chinese architectural styles in Japan from the 8th century CE onwards. Later shrines are brightly painted and have more sculptural elements, but there are many common features to all Shinto shrine complexes from the distinctive *torii* gateways to the gently sloping gabled roofs of even the smallest structures. In addition, balance and harmony with natural surroundings and an aesthetic of elegant understatement were always essential considerations for the ancient Japanese architect charged with creating a home on earth for the spirit of one or more of the Shinto gods. ### General Features The buildings of a Shinto shrine are typically built using wood, especially the Hinoki Cypress (*Chamaecyparis obtusa*), which may be left plain or painted. Nails and glue are rare, with buildings constructed using the post and lintel technique with cut and fitted joints. Wooden columns are either set directly into the ground or, in the majority of cases, sit on a stone base. The [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/) panels between columns and posts are made of wood panelling, clay or plaster spread over a thin bamboo framework. In an attempt to protect shrines from fire, a few were built during the [Edo Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Edo_Period/) (1603-1868 CE) using thick mud brick walls which were then plastered. Some shrine buildings are highly decorative while others can be very austere. Early shrines, which first appeared from around the 6th century BCE, often copied the architecture of thatched rice storehouses, but from the [Nara period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara_Period/) in the 8th century CE onwards, [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) design was influenced by Chinese, and especially [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/), architecture - upturned gables, and a prodigious use of bright red paint and decorative elements. Roofs are always gabled, commonly with a hip and gable design (*irimoya-zukuri*) or asymmetrical gable (*nagare-zukuri*). Many have a false dormer (*chidorihafu*) which looks like a letter A rising upwards from the roof above the entrance. Verandas are a common feature as the roof extends beyond the building itself and the eaves are supported by brackets, ornate or plain. Some shrines have V-shaped projections (*chigi*) from the ridge pole of the roof which they supported underneath in original wooden buildings but today are usually only decorative. The cut of the ends of these *chigi indicates the sex of the deity of the shrine: vertical cut for male and horizontal for female. Another decorative element is the *katsuogi*, cylinders placed at a right angle along the roof ridge which once kept the thatch in place in early shrines. [ ![Naiku, Ise Grand shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6483.jpg?v=1777991475-1777991475) Naiku, Ise Grand shrine Malinche (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6483/naiku-ise-grand-shrine/ "Naiku, Ise Grand shrine")Roofs have a wide variety of protection including ceramic tiles, sheet [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/), copper shale, cedar shale, or cypress bark. Thatched roofs use straw or *[kaya](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gaya/)* grass (Miscanthus). Outer surfaces are often decorated with representations of flowers, animals, mythical creatures, and allegorical scenes. The interior walls of buildings and sliding paper partitions may be decorated with similar scenes. Decorative features added to many temple sites include streamers, lanterns, and animal statues. Thick twists of rope (*shimenawa*) are hung in various places and from them dangle white, zig-zag paper or cloth streamers (*shide*) which are considered an assistance for the shrine's *[kami](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kami/)* or spirit to descend to earth. Another form of ritual offering are lanterns which are sometimes large, ornate and made of stone, wood, or [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/), but there are also simpler versions in paper. Finally, statues of lions (misleadingly known as *komainu* or 'Korean dogs'), deer, and foxes dotted around the site act as guardian figures. Many shrines are regularly rebuilt and/or refurbished, on average every 20 years or so, in a process known as *shikinen sengu* so that they maintain a pristine appearance, preserve the energy force of the shrine, and are free of the decay and impurity, which the [Shinto religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/43/the-shinto-religion/) demands. As it takes many years to build a shrine it is a common sight to see two buildings side by side as the new version is being constructed. ### Building Types The typical Shinto shrine complex or jinja* includes some or all of the following common architectural features, depending on its size and importance: **Torii** *Torii* are sacred gateways which symbolically separate the sacred space of the shrine from the external world. The simplest and most common are merely two upright posts with two longer crossbars (*kasagi and *nuki*), known as the *myojin torii*, but there are many variations such as the ornate *ryobu torii,* which usually stand in water, and *miwa torii, which has a triple gate. *Torii* are usually made of wood but they can also be of stone, steel, copper, or concrete. Many *torii* are painted red, and they are often festooned with *gohei*, twin paper, cloth or [metal](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/metal/) strips each ripped in four places and symbolising the *kami*'s presence. [ ![Torii, Fushimi Inari Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6690.jpg?v=1779362956) Torii, Fushimi Inari Shrine James Blake Wiener (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6690/torii-fushimi-inari-shrine/ "Torii, Fushimi Inari Shrine")**Romon** A *romon* is a large gate building which marks the entrance to the main shrine. From the outside, it seems to have two storeys, especially when there is a small balcony running around the building, but actually, it has only one. The central entrance is flanked by covered bays which contain guardian figure statues known as *zuijin*. **Honden** The *honden or shrine's main hall contains an image or manifestation of the particular *kami* or spirit worshipped there, the *goshintai*. The interior is divided into two parts: the *naijin* or inner sanctuary and the *gejin* or outer sanctuary. The *naijin* contains the *goshintai* and is almost always closed to anyone except the shrine's chief priest and even he may not have actually seen the *goshintai*. Sometimes the doors of the naijin* may be opened on special occasions such as shrine anniversaries. Around the *honden* is a fence, the *tamagaki*, which limits the sacred area of typically white gravel or sand and it may even limit the view of the honden* from outside. **Haiden** The *haiden* or oratory hall is for ceremonies and worship and is usually the most impressive building at the shrine. It may stand alone or be connected to the *honden* by a short covered corridor. [ ![Izumo-taisha Layout](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6745.jpg?v=1600254002) Izumo-taisha Layout Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6745/izumo-taisha-layout/ "Izumo-taisha Layout")**Heiden** The *heiden*, located between the *honden* and the *haiden*, is a building (or simply part of a covered corridor) used for prayers and making offerings (*heihaku*). The term *shaden* refers to the *honden*, *haiden, and *heiden,* all together. **Secondary Buildings** The *temizuya*, a stone water trough and font for ritual cleansing of a worshipper's hands and mouth. The basin may take the form of a dragon, which is a water deity in Shinto, and stand beneath a small roof. The *kaguraden* is a pavilion for ritual dancing and [music](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Music/), the *shamusho* is the administration building, and the *shinsenden* is for preparing food for offerings. The *sando* or sacred path runs through the shrine grounds or *keidai* and joins the *torii* and *haiden*. The *kairo is a covered and colonnaded walkway which extends around the inner sacred area of the shrine. Larger shrines may also have a large assembly hall and a place for displaying valuable and sacred artworks, the *homotsuden* or treasure hall. [ ![Kaguraden at the Ise Grand Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6468.jpg?v=1708911787) Kaguraden at the Ise Grand Shrine Fg2 (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6468/kaguraden-at-the-ise-grand-shrine/ "Kaguraden at the Ise Grand Shrine")### Architectural Styles There are several distinct building styles in Shinto shrines. **Shinmei-zukuri** This style of *honden* imitates the wooden rice storage buildings of Japan's [Yayoi Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yayoi_Period/) (c. 300 BCE - c. 250 CE) which are known by their appearance on such artefacts as bronze mirrors. They are built on raised stilts, have round poles with panelling for walls, and a gable roof which creates a veranda on all four sides. One roof-supporting pole is left outside the building at either end. Steps lead to a single side entrance and there are no windows. The roof is thatch and has both *chigi* and *katsuogi*. **Taisha-zukuri** Deriving from the house of the headman in ancient villages, this is the oldest architectural style and has a *honden* with a front stepped and roofed entrance set to the right side. The roof gable extends at the front and a veranda encircles the building. The door has horizontal panels with the top one being hinged and opening upwards. [ ![Honden, Izumo-taisha](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6744.jpg?v=1767500945) Honden, Izumo-taisha Blue Lotus (CC BY) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6744/honden-izumo-taisha/ "Honden, Izumo-taisha")**Nagare-zukuri** The most common style with the roof being asymmetrical and gently upward curving. The entrance is at the side on a wide veranda below the overhanging roof which extends out on the entrance side of the building and is supported by columns. The similar *ryonagare-zukuri* has the roof extending at the back too. **Irimoya-zukuri** Any building with a hip-and-gable roof. **Gongen-zukuri (aka Yatsumune-zukuri)** In this style, the honden* and *haiden* are joined under a single roof which has an intermediate space known as the *ainoma* or *ishinoma*. The *ainoma* has a roof with a ridge at right angles to the roof ridges of the two joined buildings creating an I shape when seen from above. The style is highly decorative with many carvings, lacquer work, and [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) or copper additions, indicating its origins in Buddhist architecture. **[Hachiman](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hachiman/)-zukuri** In this style, two buildings are placed side by side so that their roofs are almost touching. In between is a narrow connecting building acting as a covered corridor. Wooden parts are painted red, and the walls are covered in white plaster, while the roof is of Cypress bark. [ ![Stone Lanterns, Kasuga Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/6535.jpg?v=1613052903) Stone Lanterns, Kasuga Shrine James Blake Wiener (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6535/stone-lanterns-kasuga-shrine/ "Stone Lanterns, Kasuga Shrine")**Kasuga-zukuri** Seen at smaller shrines, here the *honden* is a simple rectangular structure with a curved gabled roof decorated with *chigi at each roof end and *katsuogi*. The entrance is via steps covered by a simple roof canopy. Wooden parts are painted red and black, while the walls are plastered white. **Sumiyoshi-zukuri** Here the shrine is similar to but double the size of a *kasuga-zukuri honden*. The stepped front entrance has no roof covering and the gabled roof is not curved. Wooden parts are painted red, and the walls are plastered white. ### Important Shrines The most important Shinto shrine is the Ise Grand Shrine in the Mie Prefecture, which is dedicated to Amaterasu with a secondary shrine to the harvest goddess Toyouke. The shrine, built in the *shinmei-zukuri* style, was traditionally founded in 4 BCE. The *goshintai* there is the mirror (*yata no jingi*) which the gods had used to tempt Amaterasu out of her self-imposed imprisonment in a cave following her disgust at her brother [Susanoo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Susanoo/)'s outrageous behaviour. The mirror is considered part of the imperial Japanese regalia (*sanshu no jingi*). In the 8th century CE, a tradition arose of rebuilding exactly the shrine of Amaterasu every 20 years to preserve its vitality. The broken down material of the old temple is carefully stored and transported to other shrines, where it is incorporated into their walls. The second most important shrine in Japan is that of Okuninushi at Izumo-taisha. Its foundation date is not known, but as the shrine is mentioned in the both the *[Kojiki](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kojiki/)* and *[Nihon Shoki](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nihon_Shoki/),* it is at least as old as the 7th century CE. The shrine gave its name to the style of architecture which imitates its shrine building, the *taisha-zukuri* style. The latest version of the *honden*, one of the biggest there is at over 24 metres (80 ft) high, dates to 1744 CE. The Fushimi [Inari](https://www.worldhistory.org/Inari/) Taisha shrine at Mt. Inari is dedicated to the Shinto [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of rice and was founded in 711 CE. The current *honden* dates to 1499 CE and is an example of the *nagare-zukuri style. The shrine is famous for the 5,000 plus red *torii* of all sizes dotted around the site, which are donated by the faithful looking for the god to favour them. The [Kasuga Taisha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kasuga_Taisha/) shrine at [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/) gives its name to the *kasuga-zukuri architectural style. Founded in 768 CE by the [Fujiwara clan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fujiwara_Clan/) as their ancestral shrine, the most striking building is the huge chumon gate which was built in 1613 CE. The shrine complex is also famous for its striking 2,000 stone and 1,000 bronze lanterns which are all lit in a biannual ceremony. This content was made possible with generous support from the [Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation](http://www.gbsf.org.uk/?utm_source=ancient.eu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=ancient.eu). #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Beasley, W.G. *The Japanese Experience A Short History of Japan.* University of California, 1999.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B000ORKKBI/) - [Cali, J. *Shinto Shrines.* Latitude 20, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0824837134/) - [Dougill, J. *Japan's World Heritage Sites.* Tuttle Publishing, 2014.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/4805312858/) - [Scott Littleton, C. *Understanding Shinto.* Duncan Baird Publishers, 2002.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1903296757/) ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Timeline - **4 BCE**: Traditional founding date of the [Ise Grand Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ise_Grand_Shrine/) in honour of the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) goddess [Amaterasu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amaterasu/). - **478 CE**: The founding of the Toyouke shrine at the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) [Ise Grand Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ise_Grand_Shrine/) in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **710 CE**: Date favoured by historians for the founding of the [Kasuga Taisha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kasuga_Taisha/) [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) shrine at [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **711 CE**: The Fushimi [Inari](https://www.worldhistory.org/Inari/) shrine, dedicated to the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) rice [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) Inari, is founded near Kyoto. - **725 CE**: The Usa shrine is founded in northern Kyushu and dedicated to the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Hachiman](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hachiman/). - **768 CE**: Official founding date of the [Kasuga Taisha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kasuga_Taisha/) [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) shrine at [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **794 CE**: [Emperor Kammu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Emperor_Kammu/) builds the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) Herano shrine at [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto). - **806 CE**: The [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) shrine of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is built on [Mount Fuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mount_Fuji/). - **859 CE**: The Iwashimizu shrine is built and dedicated to the [Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Hachiman](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hachiman/) in [Heiankyo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heiankyo/) (Kyoto). - **947 CE**: The Tenmangu Kitano shrine is founded in honour of Sugawara no Michizane, aka [Tenjin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenjin/). - **1135 CE**: The Wakamiya Jinja shrine is founded at [Kasuga Taisha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kasuga_Taisha/), [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **1149 CE**: The Dainichiji [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) is built near the peak of [Mount Fuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mount_Fuji/) by Matsudai Shonin. - **1168 CE**: Taira no Kiyomori significantly remodels the [Itsukushima Shrine](https://www.worldhistory.org/Itsukushima_Shrine/). ## External Links - [Shinto | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/shin/hd_shin.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2017, June 07). Shinto Architecture. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto\_Architecture/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto_Architecture/) ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Shinto Architecture." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 07, 2017. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto\_Architecture/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto_Architecture/). ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Shinto Architecture." *World History Encyclopedia*, 07 Jun 2017, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto\_Architecture/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto_Architecture/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 07 June 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). 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