Kami are the spirits, gods and deities of Japan's Shinto religion. One way rituals with the Kami are when a person way say a prayer, make an offering or visit a shrine of a particular deity. This is a wide concept that can be used to describe the spirits of deceased loved ones, gods of Japanese mythology, animal spirits and even the deities of other religions such as Buddha or Bodhisattvas. Sanja Festival (三社祭) or Asakusa Sanja Festival is other of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo held annually for 3 days on the third weekend of May in Asakusa Shrine. In some cases, the teams end up ramming each other to try to destroy the opposing floats by toppling them. Many festivals take place in Japan each year, serving as an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to the kami. Each Shinto shrine has several major festivals (matsuri) each year, including the: 1. Information: Various flower festivals are held at Shinto shrines during the month of April. It is essential to note that rituals of the Shinto religion are predominantly festivals of celebration. Is considered for some people as one of the biggest and wildest festival in Tokyo, with over 2 million visitors in 3 days. Also, all are communications with, and entail a connection with, the Kami, and they can be of two different types: One Way and Two Way. Shintō - Shintō - Ritual practices and institutions: Shintō does not have a weekly religious service. With over 40,000 shrines, or one-third of the total number of shrines in Japan, devoted to Inari, it’s safe to say that this kami is one of the most important and respected of all the Shinto deities. Annual Festival (Rei-sai), and the 4. Inari is the Shinto god of industry, prosperity, finance, and agriculture. Excursions and picnics for enjoying flowers, particularly cherry blossoms are also common, as well as many drinking parties often to be seen in and around auspicious parks and buildings. The list below is taken from the Japan National Tourism Organization. A harvest festival on Shikoku Island involving 47 teams of approximately 150 men carrying floats shaped like taiko drums.The highlight of the festival is a tradition known as float fighting whereby teams bounce the floats wildly in the air with great competitive spirit. It’s believed that Inari was fond of foxes and used them as messengers. Shinto Traditions Festivals and rituals are some of the most lasting traditions of Shinto in Japan. Shinto festivals, often called matsuri, typically function in three main parts. It’s estimated that 25% of the population partake in a local festival, and with each shrine holding an annual event Japan must count amongst the most festival-loving people on earth. Sumo’s Shinto spirit; Search for: Festivals. Divine Procession (Shinko-sai). Autumn or Harvest Festival (Aki Matsuri, or Niiname-sai), an 3. Some may go to the shrines on the 1st and 15th of each month and on the occasions of rites or festivals (matsuri), which take place several times a year. Click on the individual event for information. Devotees, however, may pay respect to the shrine every morning. There are said to be eight million kami (八百万) which is a number traditionally used to express infinity in Japan. People visit shrines at their convenience. Spring Festival (Haru Matsuri or Toshigoi-no-Matsuri), 2.