4. Dash with a divine flame down a dangerous mountain In Shingu, Japan, men reconnect with Shinto spirits by burning torches painted with their wishes at a mountain shrine. The most courageous ...

Japan’s annual ritual of “mame-maki,” or bean-throwing, at Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and homes sees people marking “setsubun,” the last day of the winter in the Japanese lunar ...

Purification is key to Shinto rituals to keep away evil spirits. Worshipers can also wish for other things, such as traffic safety, success in business or exams and safe childbirth. Shinto is ...

Kyoto is dotted with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines offering amulets for ... for uploading to a mobile device keep the deities' spirits close by. Discover the charm of amulets through their ...