An old saying states that the Japanese are born Shinto, but die Buddhist. While not completely accurate, the phrase gives insight into the mingling and synchronicity of religions that permeate Japanese culture. On this tour, we will explore the history, traditions, and rituals of both Shintoism, the native spiritual belief of Japan, and Buddhism, which was imported from China and Central Asia. Our seminar starts at the Yasaka Shrine, located in the historic Gion district. This Shinto shrine, a complex with numerous gates and halls, presents the perfect location to outline the basic principles of this spiritual belief. We will be introduced to the kami, spiritual deities, as well as principles of purity and impurity within Shintoism. We then pass through the historic streets of Gion to wend our way toward one of Kyoto’s most well-known temples, the Kiyomizu-dera. We will also have opportunity to explore the historic mingling of Buddhism and Shintoism and their subsequent dismantling.
