The principal worship of Kami happens in shrines, which are usually man-made structures but can also be natural features such as waterfalls, rivers or mountains. At the entrance to each shrine, visitors pass through a gate made of two uprights, and two crossbars called a Torii, which symbolizes the border between holy and secular spaces. On entering the holy place, visitors undergo a purification ritual called Omiri, which consists of washing one’s hands and mouth with the pure water provided at the shrine's entrance. Visitors then have the right to pray, make offerings to the gods, buy charms for good luck (Ofuda charms for the home and Omamori charms for the person), and to meditate in the temple.
The heart of Shinto practice is the involvement of the community in festivals, which mark the rhythm of social life throughout the year. Those celebrations are Matsuri, which combines solemn rituals acknowledging the gods with joyful feasts. They often include processions, dramatic performances, Sumo wrestling and food markets—all bright, colorful, noisy events. One of the most famous festivals is the Gion Matsuri which takes place in Kyoto each July and attracts many thousands of people.
