Two thousand years ago, there were no Shinto shrines as we know them today. Kami, the Shinto gods, were enshrined in nature spots considered pure, such as remarkable trees or rocks.

The first Shinto shrines appeared during the 6th century, under the influence of Buddhism, and they were built inside forests, being named chinju no mori, sacred (or protected) forest. This custom still exist and many Shinto shrines are in the vicinity of large, old trees, like this wonderful forest at the Futarasan Shrine, Nikko.

Shinmon Gate, Futarasan Shrine, Nikko

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Ozu castle