Kamidana
Ritual objects神棚 ・ Reading: かみだな
Definition
Household worship
A kamidana creates a dedicated, clean place for household veneration of the kami. Ofuda are placed there according to the household and the issuing shrine's guidance.
Kamidana and miyagata
Jinja Honcho distinguishes the shelf, called kamidana, from the shrine-shaped container, called miyagata. Everyday usage may use kamidana for the arrangement as a whole.
Placement
Official guidance commonly prefers a bright, clean, elevated place. Room layout varies, so follow the issuing institution rather than imposing one rigid direction.
Common questions
- Is a kamidana the small shrine-shaped box?
Strictly, kamidana is the shelf and miyagata is the shrine-shaped container, although everyday usage varies.
- Must a kamidana face one direction?
Preferred directions appear in official guidance, but Ise Jingu allows practical flexibility when a room layout makes them difficult.
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- Sacred Items at Japan’s ShrinesLearn how ofuda, omamori, ema, and omikuji differ, what visitors do with each one, and why not every sacred object is an offering.