The Japanese Spirit of Nature Worship

In many parts of the world, when people hear the word “religion,” they often think of a god, a founder, scriptures, and organized institutions. In monotheistic traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, nature is regarded as God’s creation, but it is not worshiped as a divine being itself.

Japan, however, has a different tradition. Since ancient times, the Japanese people have revered mountains, rivers, rocks, trees, and other natural elements as “kami,” or deities. This practice is called Shinto. Yet, rather than being a religion in the institutional sense, Shinto is better understood as a way of belief, or a spiritual sensibility.

This reverence for nature is still alive in modern Japan. Visiting a shrine at the New Year (hatsumōde), holding festivals to thank the sea or mountains for their blessings, or instinctively bowing in front of a great tree or a beautiful waterfall—all these acts reflect a deep sense of respect toward nature. Japanese people may not see these as “religious” actions, but they are guided by a cultural tradition of awe and gratitude.

In many ancient civilizations, nature worship was once common. Yet, as societies developed and religions became systematized, especially under monotheistic beliefs, this form of worship largely disappeared. Japan is unique in that it has preserved a pure form of nature worship into the modern age.

For the Japanese, nature is not just “the environment.” It is a living presence—something to live with, to fear, and to appreciate. This perspective is less about religion and more about a way of life and a natural feeling of the heart.

Japanese people still carry the spirit of worshiping nature as divine. It is not so much a religion, but rather a natural sensibility that shapes the way we live.