Shinto Shrines Second Edition (Bilingual Guide to Japan)

Learn about shrines while learning English!

The book provides easy-to-understand explanations of basic manners for visiting shrines, the structure of the main hall, the work of the priests and shrine maidens, amulets and benefits, and more. It is very convenient that English and Japanese are always on the same page, so that shrines that are popular with foreigners, such as Ise Shrine, Izumo Taisha, Kasuga Taisha, Fushimi Inari, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Itsukushima Shrine, Nikko Toshogu, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine, and Meiji Shrine, can be easily explained. It also explains customs associated with shrines, such as the Shichigosan festival and warding off evil spirits, making it an eye-opening introduction to shrines for Japanese people as well. It is full of illustrations and photos, and at the end of the book there is an explanation of terms and a list of national festivals for the four seasons.

Editor's Recommendations

Due to the rapid increase in foreign tourists, a wide variety of English guidebooks are available, but the "Bilingual Guide to Japan" series is specialized in providing information that is useful to Japanese people as well. The first volume of the series, "Buddha Statue Bilingual Guide," received many comments such as "There were many things that even I, a Japanese person, did not know," and "It's a good brain exercise because you can learn English at the same time!" We hope that anyone, not just foreigners, who has trouble explaining the difference between temples and shrines will find both volumes useful.