I usually end my stories with this reflection, but today, I feel it belongs at the beginning:
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories.
As I travel the globe, I often find myself noticing how some countries are cleaner than others—not just on the surface, but in how people move through their environments with care. Often, the difference stems from infrastructure or government policy—things like sanitation systems, early civic education, or public investment in communal spaces. But in Japan, the reason goes deeper—rooted in a quiet reverence for the natural world that begins in childhood and permeates daily life. It’s a worldview shaped by Shinto, and I couldn’t help but wonder: what if we all followed Shinto?
The Spirit of Cleanliness is a Spiritual Practice
During my travels through Ishikawa Prefecture, I was moved by how serene and spotless every public space was—whether in the winding streets of Kanazawa or the remote gardens of Kenroku-en. It wasn’t about rules or fines; it was about respect. Respect for the land, for others, and for unseen spirits—kami—that dwell in nature. In Shinto belief, everything has a spiritual essence. A rock, a tree, a stream—each is alive and sacred.
This respect translates into daily rituals of cleanliness. Children in Japan clean their own classrooms. Commuters carry their trash home. Visitors purify themselves at shrine entrances. There’s no hierarchy to cleanliness—it’s not menial, it’s meaningful.
Shrines Without Sermons: Spaces of Quiet Reflection
You’ll find Shinto shrines tucked into hillsides, hidden between city streets, or perched beside centuries-old cedar forests. Their presence feels natural, not imposed. One of the most unforgettable moments of my trip was passing under a red torii gate and entering a shrine enveloped by towering trees. There were no sermons, no booming announcements. Just the sound of wind, the scent of incense, and the subtle feeling that this space was alive.
Unlike religious institutions that focus on doctrine, Shinto encourages a relationship with place. You bow before entering, you make an offering, and you take a moment—sometimes in complete silence—to connect with the spirit of the location. It’s travel not as consumption, but as communion.
Seasonal Awareness: A Lesson in Mindful Living
Shinto is deeply tied to the rhythm of the seasons. In Japan, people don’t just acknowledge spring or fall—they celebrate it. Entire festivals, called matsuri, are dedicated to seasonal changes and agricultural cycles. When cherry blossoms bloom, people gather beneath them not just for photos, but to reflect on life’s fleeting beauty.
This seasonal awareness encourages travellers to slow down. It’s a reminder that timing matters—that arriving in harmony with nature yields a different kind of experience. Whether sipping matcha in a teahouse or walking through rice paddies near Shirakawa-go, I felt more present than I had in ages.
Shinto and Sustainability: An Ancient Answer to a Modern Question
Japan faces its environmental challenges like every nation, but the Shinto ethos provides a cultural compass for sustainability. Shinto teaches coexistence, not dominance. It discourages waste and encourages gratitude. Even the way food is presented—in beautiful, thoughtful portions—reflects a respect for resources.
Imagine if we all travelled with the mindset that the tree shading us was sacred. That the water bottle we discarded could offend a spirit. That the ground beneath our feet was more than soil—it was a living system deserving reverence. Shinto doesn’t call for grand gestures. It calls for quiet, consistent acts of care.
Finding Shinto Moments Around the World
You don’t have to be in Japan to carry Shinto with you. It can be as simple as picking up litter during a hike, whispering a thank-you to a mountain vista, or pausing to watch the wind rustle through leaves. Shinto invites us to engage the world with humility, to see ourselves not as masters of nature but as part of it.
For me, the lesson was this: when you walk gently through the world, the world responds in kind.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Shinto in Japan
- Must-visit shrines: Don’t miss Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture (dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu) or Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, known for its floating torii gate.
- Etiquette: Always bow at the torii gate, purify your hands and mouth at the shrine basin, and make a small offering before you pray.
- When to go: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most striking seasonal contrasts—sakura blooms or fiery maples.
- Respecting the space: Avoid loud conversations, do not touch sacred objects, and always ask before taking photos.
- Travel tools: Consider learning a few respectful Japanese phrases (like “arigatou gozaimasu” for thank you) using Duolingo or DeepL Translate.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Whether you’re walking under a torii gate or through a city park in your own hometown, there is value in moving with awareness. Shinto reminds us that reverence doesn’t need translation—it simply needs practice.
So next time you travel, consider this: What if we all followed Shinto?
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