Miko and sake barrels at Toshougu Shrine

Ever since the ancient times, the Shinto tradition included food offerings for invoking kami, the Shinto gods. Usually, the offerings were natural produce such as salt, rice, vegetables or fruits, but there are also products such as sake.

The best sake, in beautifully painted barrels, sometimes offered directly by breweries, is displayed at many Shinto shrines. Usually referred to as omiki, this sake is used in rituals such as weddings and festivals.