kamidana

Kamidana, from kami (god) and dana (shelf), is a miniature Shinto altar found in many Japanese homes and some workplaces. It provides a domestic space for reverence toward kami, daily offerings, and quiet prayers. Kamidana are typically mounted high on a wall, in a clean, quiet room, and may be a simple wooden shelf or a small cabinet.

The altar is prepared to enshrine a kami with ritual items such as ofuda (talismans issued by Shinto shrines), shimenawa (sacred rope), and gohei (paper streamers). A kamidana may also house a small symbolic object representing the kami, and sometimes a mirror or other modest image. The space is kept tidy and free from strong odors or clutter.

Typical offerings include water, rice, salt, and sake, presented in small ritual vessels, along with seasonal foods and a sprig of sakaki or other evergreen. Many households place a branch of sakaki or a miniature evergreen as a sign of purity and renewal. The details vary by region and family tradition.

Daily practice often involves a brief bow or prayer, offerings at dawn and/or dusk, and periodic cleansing of the altar and refreshment of offerings. Kamidana are not universal in all Shinto households, and some people place a kamidana in offices or shops. They are distinct from butsudan, the Buddhist domestic altar.

Placement guidelines emphasize cleanliness, avoidance of kitchen or bathroom proximity, and positioning toward a clean wall with good lighting.