What are some common design elements of a Shinto shrine?

1. Torii gate: A traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, usually made of wood or stone.

2. Purification fountain: A basin filled with water where visitors can cleanse themselves before entering the shrine.

3. Main hall: A central building or structure where offerings and prayers are made to the deity or deities.

4. Offering hall: A secondary building where offerings such as food, sake, and flowers are made to the deity or deities.

5. Ema: Small wooden tablets where worshipers write their prayers and wishes and hang them on a designated board.

6. Kagura-den: A building where ceremonial dances and music are performed in honor of the deity or deities.

7. Shimenawa: A rope made of rice straw that marks off sacred spaces and is often hung around trees or objects that are believed to be the dwelling place of spirits.

8. Mizu-uchi: A wooden mallet used to strike a large bronze bell, signaling the beginning and end of ceremonies.

9. Chōzuya: A purification basin where visitors wash their hands and mouth before entering the shrine.

10. Tamagushi: A branch or a sprig of sakaki trees that is offered to the deity or deities as a symbol of reverence.

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