Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 600 OF 1770

Main Title Geography of Religion in Japan Religious Space, Landscape, and Behavior / [electronic resource] :
Type EBOOK
Author Matsui, Keisuke.
Publisher Springer Japan : Imprint: Springer,
Year Published 2014
Call Number G1-922
ISBN 9784431545507
Subjects Geography ; Regional planning
Internet Access
Description Access URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54550-7
Collation XI, 199 p. 95 illus., 36 illus. in color. online resource.
Notes
Due to license restrictions, this resource is available to EPA employees and authorized contractors only
Contents Notes
Recent Trends in the Geography of Religion in Japan -- Religious Tradition in Japan -- Spatial Structure of Japanese Religion -- Sacred Places, Pilgrimage and Tourism -- Conclusions. This book discusses modern aspects of Japanese religion in terms of cultural geography. To understand the function of religion, it is essential to examine it in the context of local societies. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Japanese religion is its diversity; indeed, it is often remarked that "Japan is a museum of religions." In this work, the author clarifies some geographical aspects of the complex situation of Japanese religion. Chapter 1 discusses the trend of geographical studies of religion in Japan, of which four types can be identified. Chapter 2 focuses on certain characteristics of Japanese religious traditions by discussing tree worship and the landscape of sacred places. Chapter 3 clarifies regional divisions in the catchment areas of Japanese Shintoism by analyzing the distribution of certain types of believers. The author discusses two case studies: the Kasama Inari Shrine and the Kanamura Shrine. Chapter 4 discusses some modern aspects of sacred places and tourism through two case studies. The first part of the chapter focuses on changes in the types of businesses at the Omotesando of the Naritasan Shinshoji-Monzenmachi, and the following sections examine the revitalization of the local community through the promotion of religious tourism.