How to Set up a Kamidana

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

In Shinto, a kamidana is a miniature home shrine for either a household kami or a kami from far away, such as one's hometown. Here is how to set one up.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-1.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    He can bless your house and advise you on obtaining and setting up a kamidana. However, since you are reading this article, it will be assumed that consulting a priest is not a viable option.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-2.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In most Japanese homes, it is placed on a shelf high on the wall, near the ceiling. It should be the highest shelf in the room. Kamidana should face south or east, and not be in a bathroom. If you do not have a butsudana, make sure you do not put the kamidana facing it. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-3.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are in Japan, this can be as simple as buying one at the local Homeac. If you are not in Japan, this can be done through Amazon.com or other websites. They cost anywhere from 5000 to 40000 yen. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-4.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Accessories usually include two small saucers, a lidded bowl, two heishi (vase-like lidded sake jars), one Gautama (lidded water jars), two vases, and sometimes two candle holders. Excepting the candle holders, these are usually of white ceramic. The candle holders are usually of black metal. There is also often two Chinese style ceramic vases and/or a mirror held in a wooden stand. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-5.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This usually includes two sprigs of sakaki, salt, rice, water, and sake. You may also want white candles for the shrine. [4]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-6.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An ofuda is a talisman inscribed with the essence of a kami. Remember you cannot make these yourself, and they must be obtained from a shrine. Some shrines ship Gouda overseas. [5]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-7.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-8.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In front of the stairs, place one of the saucers. Fill it with salt. To the left place the other saucer. Fill it with dry rice. To the left, place the lidded water bowl. Fill it with water. These are the three essentials of life which you are offering to the kami.
  9. To either side of center stairs, first place the heishi , then the Chinese vases, and finally the vases. Sake is poured into the "heishi , and sakaki sprigs are placed in the tall white vases.
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-9.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-10.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Candles can be set in them. Your kamidana is now set up.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-11.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many kamidana are placed within a wooden box, often with glass doors to protect it. A curtain, often of bamboo or purple fabric emblazoned with a white mitsudomoe , can be placed in front of the kamidana. A shimenawa (rice straw rope) can be hung in the very front. Shide (folded strips of white paper), often wrapped within the shimenawa , mark the area of the kamidana as pure.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-13.jpg\/aid568503-v4-728px-Set-up-a-Kamidana-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Offerings should be changed every day. [6]
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What am I supposed to do after I removed the offerings to place new ones when setting up a Kamidana? What is the proper way to deal with the offerings afterwards?
    Community Answer
    If you offer food to your Kamidana, then it is totally appropriate to use it for a meal at another time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How do I set up a kamidana if I can't get sake?
    Community Answer
    Many local liquor stores have many types of rice wine, sake or otherwise. Ask the store owner, and if not, feel free to omit the sake or substitute another distilled spirit such as vodka.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 10
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create a Home Shrine (Hinduism)
      How to
      Start a Cult
      How to
      Start a Religion
      How to
      Pray to Santa Muerte
      How to
      Distinguish Mennonites from Amish
      How to Honor the Lord Through Prayer, Service, & Song
      How to
      Leave a Cult
      The Main Differences (& Similarities) Between Methodists & Baptists
      How to
      Call the Corners
      How to Pray: A Beginner's Guide
      Angel Number 322 Explained
      How to
      Fix a Broken Marriage God's Way
      Why Are Goats Associated With Satan?
      How to
      Find God
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2017/01/15/shinto-home-shrine-kamidana/
      2. ↑ https://thetwistedrope.wordpress.com/shintoism/shinto-starter-guide/
      3. ↑ https://learnjapanese123.com/what-are-the-different-japanese-household-shrines-and-altars/
      4. ↑ https://learnjapanese123.com/what-are-the-different-japanese-household-shrines-and-altars/
      5. ↑ https://www.patheos.com/blogs/pagantama/2017/01/15/shinto-home-shrine-kamidana/
      6. ↑ https://thetwistedrope.wordpress.com/shintoism/shinto-starter-guide/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 110,763 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Tyler Goode

        Apr 17, 2020

        "This article is really helping me, since I was considering Shinto as my faith as it really connects with me. This ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement