BeliefsShinto is the traditional religion of Japan. It means “the way of the kami”. Shinto mainly focuses on the beliefs and worship of the Kami. Kami are spiritual or divine beings. They are sometimes called the "gods" in Shinto. But rather than the powerful, supernatural beings seen in Western religion, Kami is more like a mystical, sacred spirit that exists in the creative forces of nature. Shinto follows the belief of animism, which is the belief that natural and material objects possess a soul. These sacred spirits, called Kami, are capable of taking the form of various things in nature. The Kami do not only exist as spiritual beings, but also take the form of plants and animals, mountains and seas, and all natural phenomena. Unlike many other religions, Shinto does not have a formalized system of rules or regulations, or official moral principles. . This is also what makes Shinto so unique and different from many other religions. In Shinto, purity is very important. Shinto follows the belief that no human being is perfect. They believe that all human beings are born pure inside. The things that make humans impure are tsumi, which is pollution or sin. Shinto followers believe that those who cause impurity are evil spirits and it is they who cause evil deeds in the world. Myths and Other Stories There are different deities who appear in different stories, all with their own special and significant role. The Shinto creation story tells of two main deities, Izanagi and Izanami. While Izanagi and Izanami were on the floating bridge of paradise, they threw a jeweled spear into the ocean. When the spear touched the water, it created an island called Onogoro, which was the mainland of Japan. Izanagi and Izan... in the center of the card... natural powers. Shinto followers believe the waterfall is the home of the kami spirits, or gods, of the mountain. Many also believe that Nachi Waterfall is the central part of all the supernatural powers and kami of Mount Kumano. Near the base of the water, the Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine was built to worship the local kami. Ancient Shinto legends also describe how kami from all over Japan came to Nachi Waterfall to purify themselves every year. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located at the top of Mount Yoshino. This shrine is dedicated to Ameno Mikumari, a female water deity. Her name Mikumari sounds similar to the word "mikomori" which means pregnant in Japanese, so she is well known for safe childbirth. It is believed that she will confer fertility and easy childbirth on those who pray to her.