What is a "Kamidana"?

A kamidana is a small Shinto altar typically found in Japanese homes or workplaces. It is used to enshrine deities (primarily Amaterasu-Ōmikami and local guardian gods) and serves as a sacred place for offering prayers of gratitude and requests for safety, health, and harmony in daily life.

Purpose of a Kamidana

The kamidana is a spiritual focal point to honor and express gratitude to the gods. It is often used for daily prayers and seasonal rituals.The shintai (object of worship) in the kamidana is usually a shinsatsu, or sacred talisman, received from a shrine. Common examples include:

• Jingū Taima (from Ise Grand Shrine)

• Talisman from the local ujigami (guardian deity)

• Talisman from a shrine of personal devotion

Where to Place a Kamidana

There are several traditional guidelines for placing a kamidana:

1. Direction

• Face the kamidana east (to receive the morning sun) or south (for prosperity and light).

  • East-facing: symbolizes vitality and growth

  • South-facing: symbolizes abundance and openness

2. Height

• Install it above eye level to show respect.It should be high enough that people naturally look up at it.

3. Clean and Quiet Location

• Avoid placing it near bathrooms, kitchens, or directly below someone’s feet (like under a second-floor walkway).

• Ideal locations are living rooms or hallways where the space feels calm and pure.

4. The “Cloud” Paper

• If you install a kamidana on the first floor of a two-story building, it's customary to place a piece of paper above it with the character for "cloud" (雲) or "sky" (空) to signify that nothing is above the gods.

How to Enshrine the Kamidana

• Placement of talismans (if you have three):

  • Center: Jingū Taima (from Ise Grand Shrine)

  • Right: Local shrine talisman

  • Left: Personal/favorite shrine talisman

• Offerings:

  • Rice, salt, and water are the basic offerings.

  • Sometimes sake, evergreen branches (like sakaki), or seasonal items are added.

Daily Rituals

• Offer a bow and prayer every morning to show gratitude.

• Refresh the offerings on the 1st and 15th of each month or on special Shinto holidays.

• Clean the kamidana at the end of the year and replace the talismans to welcome the New Year deity.

A kamidana is more than just a decorative item. It represents a daily practice of mindfulness, gratitude, and spiritual connection. It’s said that setting one up helps harmonize the flow of energy (ki) in the space, bringing a sense of peace and clarity to everyday life.