If you’re traveling in Japan, you’ll probably visit several Shinto shrines. Many visitors admire the beautiful gates and peaceful atmosphere — but few realize that shrines are full of hidden meanings. Once you know what to look for, every shrine tells a different story. 1. The Torii Gate: The Entrance to Sacred Ground The easiest way to recognize a Shinto shrine is by its torii gate. A torii marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred world where the gods (kami) are believed to reside. As you pass through the gate, you’re symbolically entering a holy place. Unlike Buddhist temples, shrines generally do not have statues of Buddha or other religious figures inside the worship hall. Instead, the deity is believed to be present spiritually rather than physically. 2. Guardian Animals Protect Every Shrine One of the most fascinating features of Japanese shrines is the guardian animals. Near the entrance, you’ll often find a pair of animal statues watching over the shri...