Shinto is deeply connected with the environment! Shinto reveres all aspects of the environment, extending to both the nurturing as well as the destructive elements of nature. One of the very first Shinto shrines was built for the purpose of praying for a good harvest for the season, highlighting Shinto's agricultural origins. Various kami are associated with naturalistic elements from the environment, whether it be the mountains and the rivers that run deep through the forests, animals native to Japan or even natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes. Many Shinto shrines can also be found in natural environments or surrounded by nature as well, often having their own sacred grounds with natural elements and purified water sources. An example of one of these is Amaterasu Omikami, which is a major kami of Shinto whose shrine can be found deep in the mountains and forest, representing the sun and the universe and usually in the form of a woman. Yatagarasu is another unique kami, representing guidance and usually taking the form of a large crow with three legs. Both Amaterasu and Yatagarasu represent their own unique elements and highlight the contrasting forces of nature. Overall, Shinto is deeply connected with the environment, and leads people to continue to uphold their efforts towards taking care of the environment around them.
