In Shimosuwa in central Japan, huge trees are ceremonially cut and dragged from the mountains to the shrines. At Bikuni Shrine in Shakotan, Hokkaido, a massive tengu statue is passed through fire during a July cleansing rite. Which indigenous Japanese religion performs both ceremonies?

Question

Accepted Answer

Shinto. Shinto is Japan's indigenous religion, centered on kami (spirits or gods) that inhabit natural features and shrines. Its rites blend purification, festival theatre and offerings. The Onbashira log-dragging ritual at Shimosuwa's Suwa Grand Shrine and the Shakotan tengu fire festival are two vivid regional examples.