Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion. Starting about 500 BCE (or earlier) it was originally "an amorphous mix of nature worship, fertility cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism."(4) Its name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" (The Way of the Gods) in the 8th Century CE. 

International Shinto Foundation

Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood.

Shinto Texts

Many texts are valued in the Shinto religion. Most date from the 8th century CE:

The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters)

(Shinto believes in Kojiki the mythological history of Japan. The Gods of Shinto, which is a polytheistic religion, are said to have created Japan as their image of paradise on Earth, and placed the emperor as it's true ruler. The Emperor is a direct descendant of Amaterazu, the Goddess of the Sun.)

The Rokkokushi (Six National Histories)

The Shoku Nihongi or Nihon Shoki (Continuing Chronicles of Japan)

The Jinno Shotiki (a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history) was written in the 14th century

Shinto Practices

Shinto recognizes many sacred places: mountains, springs, etc.

Each shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami who has a divine personality and responds to sincere prayers of the faithful. When entering a shrine, one passes through a Tori a special gateway for the Gods. It marks the demarcation between the finite world and the infinite world of the Gods.

In the past, believers practiced "misogi,", the washing of their bodies in a river near the shrine. In recent years they only wash their hands and wash out their mouths in a wash basin provided within the shrine grounds.

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.

Kagura are ritual dances accompanied by ancient musical instruments. The dances are performed by skilled and trained dancers. They consist of young virgin girls, a group of men, or a single man.

Mamori are charms worn as an aid in healing and protection. There come in many different forms for various purposes.

An altar, the "Kami-dana" (Shelf of Gods), is given a central place in many homes.

Seasonal celebrations are held at spring planting, fall harvest, and special anniversaries of the history of a shrine or of a local patron spirit. A country-wide National Founding Day is held on FEB-11 of each year. Other festivals include: JAN 1-3 Oshogatsu (New Year); MAR-3 Ohinamatsuri (Girls' festival); MAY-5 Tango no Sekku (Boys' festival); JUL-7 Hoshi Matsuri (Star festival).

Followers are expected to visit Shinto shrines at the times of various life passages. For example, the "Three-five-seven matsuri" involves a blessing by the shrine Priest of girls aged 3 and 7 and boys aged 5. It is held on NOV-15.

Many followers are involved in the "offer a meal movement." in which each individual bypasses a breakfast (or another meal) once per month and donates the money saved to their religious organization for international relief and similar activity.

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.