Religion influences our values ​​and our attitude towards others and the universe; it can also allow us to trace the development history of different countries. Since Japan is renowned for its distinct religious culture, shrines have become the top list for travelers who want to purchase omamori and make blessings. It is essential to know the history and background of the ancient Japanese religion that has fascinated millions of people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay According to Earhart (1997a), Shinto is an indigenous religion that originated in Japan. Shinto means "the way of God" and expresses the deeply held belief in the scarcity of kami (deities), the appreciation of nature and mythological deities. It emphasizes the sacred bond between Japan and the Japanese and is known as representing the “continuity of ancient customs” (Earhart, 2004, p.31). Ellwood and Pilgrim (1985) noted that there are four main traditions in Shinto. Priests will wear vestments with a flat shaku held in hand and sweep the evergreen branch or sprinkle salt to purify the pollutants with the kami present. Subsequently, the offering of bestowal is fundamental in Shinto. The offerings can be either foods, for example vegetables, rice or clothes. Then, the priest will slowly pass or place the offerings on the eight-legged table. Next, the priests will say the Norito (prayer) to appreciate the kami's assistance for the benefit they have received and request continued harvests and well-being. Additionally, various matsuris (festivals) and carnivals will be held at the shrine site. For example, the kagura (dance) will be performed by a female miko to entertain the kami. Shrines are the place of rituals and individual worship, which is also the place to house the kami. Visitors will toss a coin into the offering box, then ring the bell twice, followed by two bows and pray after clapping their hands twice in front of the altar. (Japan National Tourism Organization, n.d.).There are four stages of development of Shinto. Early Shinto (5th to 6th century) was initially self-originated and disorganized around family lines until the power of the imperial family surpassed other families, unified customs, and yet there was no name for the religion and its traditions. However, with the influx of Chinese culture in the mid-6th century, Buddhism and Confucianism were introduced to Japan. To differentiate Japanese from exotic religions, the Japanese referred to the Chinese words shentao to form the word Shinto. It is the period in which Shinto began to have a conceptualization of its beliefs (Earhart, 2004, p.31). During the 6th to 13th centuries, the phase of medieval Shinto emerges. The influence of Buddhism was flourishing, even emperors or nobility widely promoted Buddhism and monopolized the central court and institutions. Shinto was overshadowed and can only be practiced in rural areas. Later, during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1945), State Shinto emerged. The reformer argued that the emperor was the emblem of God, and the prior must restore the emperor as head of state. Therefore, Shinto is used to support the cult of the emperor and restore his sovereignty and support in the government while Buddhism was demoted and expelled from the shrines. Later, after the end of World War II (1947), the Allied occupation forces officially dismissed State Shinto and Shinto. it is practiced exclusively for purposes./