Subdivisions of Shinto

Jinja (Shrine) Shinto

Shrine Shinto is closest to the traditional form of Shinto that is said to date back to prehistoric times.

The term is usually used to refer to the beliefs and rituals associated with the shrines that give their allegiance to the Jinja Honcho or Association of Shinto Shrines.

Kyôha (Sect) Shinto

Sect Shinto started in the 19th Century and includes 13 major independent sects which are officially recognised by the Japanese governement.

The 13 sects, with their date of formal recognition, are:

• Fusokyô (1882)
• Izumo Oyashirokyô (1882)
• Jikkokyô (1882)
• Konkokyô (1900)
• Kurozumikyô (1876)
• Misogikyô (1894)
• Ontakekyô, formerly known as Mitakekyô (1882)
• Shinrikyô (1894)
• Shinshukyô (1882)
• Shinto Shusei-ha (1876)
• Shinto Taikyô, known before World War II simply as Shinto (1886)
• Taiseikyô (1882)
• Tenrikyô (1908)

Minzoku (Folk) Shinto

This is the name given to the traditional Shinto that was practiced by ordinary Japanese people at their local shrines, and that was not instutionalised by the various national reforms.

Folk Shinto influences many of the rites of passage celebrated in Japan, together with agricultural and other festivals.