Geography of Religion in Japan

Thisbook discusses modern aspects of Japanese religion in terms of culturalgeography. To understand the function of religion, it is essential to examineit in the context of local societies. One of the distinguishing characteristicsof Japanese religion is its diversity; indeed, it is often remarked that Japanis a museum of religions . The author tried to clarify some geographicalaspects of the complex situation of Japanese religion. Chapter 1 discusses thetrend of geographical studies of religion in Japan. One can identify four typesof these studies. Chapter 2 focuses on certain characteristics of Japanesereligious traditions by discussing tree worship and the landscape of sacredplaces. Chapter 3 clarifies regional divisions in the catchment areas of JapaneseShintoism by analyzing the distribution of certain types of believers. Theauthor discusses two case studies the Kasama Inari Shrine (section 3-1) and theKanamura Shrine (section 3-2). Chapter 4 discusses some modern aspects ofsacred places and tourism through two case studies. Section 4-1 focuses onchanges in the types of businesses at the Omotesando of the NaritasanShinshoji-Monzen-Machi. Sections 4-2 and 4-3 examine the revitalization of thelocal community through the promotion of religious tourism.