Gods Old and New: Different Types of Japanese Deities

A shimenawa marks a sacred rock (iwakura) at the Izumo Daijingū in Kyoto Prefecture. (© Kazenotami/Pixta)

Mount Miwa was the most sacred mountain (shintaisan) in the ancient province of Yamato. (© Pixta)

Izanami and Izanagi. (© Satō Tadashi)

After a raging Susanoo throws a heavenly piebald colt into her weaving hall, Amaterasu takes refuge in a cave. (© Satō Tadashi)

Stone steps leading up to the main shrine building of Ise Jingū, which enshrines Amaterasu. (© Pixta)

Ebisu with his fishing rod and sea bream, and Sarutahiko with his distinctive long nose. (© Satō Tadashi)

A statue of Ugajin at the Buddhist temple Mimurotoji in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. (© Pixta)

An ox and plum blossoms, symbols of Sugawara no Michizane, on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangū Shrine. (© Pixta)