Major practices

• Shinto recognizes many sacred places: mountains, springs, etc.
• Believers respect animals as messengers of the Gods. A pair of statues of "Koma-inu" (guard dogs) face each other within the temple grounds.
• Shrine ceremonies, which include cleansing, offerings, prayers, and dances are directed to the Kami.
• An altar, the "Kami-dana" (Shelf of Gods), is given a central place in many homes.
• Origami ("Paper of the spirits"): This is a Japanese folk art in which paper is folded into beautiful shapes. They are often seen around Shinto shrines. Out of respect for the tree spirit that gave its life to make the paper, origami paper is never cut.