Kamidana (神棚 kami-dana, lit.

"god-shelf") are miniature household altars provided to enshrine

a Shinto kami. They are most commonly found in Japan, the home of kami worship.[1]

The kamidana is typically placed high on a wall and contains a wide variety of items related to
Shinto-style ceremonies, the most prominent of which is the shintai, an object meant to house a
chosen kami, thus giving it a physical form to allow worship. Kamidana shintai[note 1] are most
commonly small circular mirrors, though they can also be stones (magatama), jewels, or some
other object with largely symbolic value. The kami within the shintai is often the deity of the
local shrine or one particular to the house owner's profession. A part of the kami (bunrei) was
obtained specifically for that purpose from a shrine through a process called kanjō.[2]

Worship at the kamidana typically consists of the offering of simple prayers, food (e.g., rice,
fruit, water) and flowers.[2] Before worshiping at the kamidana it is ritually important for family
members to cleanse their hands.

Kamidana can also be found in some traditional Japanese martial art dōjō.

household kamidana is typically set up in one's home to enshrine an ofuda, a type of charm. Both
kamidana and ofuda can be purchased at any large Shinto shrine. Ofuda by themselves can be
displayed on a counter or anywhere visible, provided that they are kept in their protective
pouches. However, when an ofuda is enshrined in a kamidana there are several rules which must
be followed to ensure proper installation.

First, a kamidana cannot be set up on the ground or at eye level. It must be above an ordinary
person's eye level. Second, a kamidana cannot be set up over an entrance, but must be built into a
space which people will not walk under. Finally, when an ofuda is enshrined in a kamidana, after
removing the pouch it is customary to leave an offering of water, liquor, or food in front of the
kamidana, which should be renewed regularly.[2] These rules apply both to one's household and
to martial arts dojos.

Ofuda are replaced before the end of each year.[2] However, kamidana can be kept in one's house
until they are no longer usable.