The Shinto kamidana
Japanese homes
A shelf for a kami.
- It is mounted high on a wall, with a shintai, the object that houses the chosen kami. A small round mirror is the commonest, and magatama jewels are used too.
- The Encyclopedia of Shinto recommends a clean, bright, quiet place facing east or south.
- Offerings are rice, fruit, water and flowers, and family members rinse their hands or mouth first.
- Amulets from Ise and from the local shrine are kept there.
Sources: Wikipedia, “Kamidana”; Encyclopedia of Shinto, Kokugakuin University