Ichinomiya
The highest-ranked shrine of each ancient province (kuni). Governors were required to worship there upon arrival, making it the spiritual heart of each region.
Kanjō
The practice of enshrining a divided spirit (wakemitama) of a deity at a new location. This system spread major shrines throughout the country, creating tens of thousands of affiliated branches.
Shikinaisha
Shrines officially recorded in the Engishiki (927 AD) — a codex of government regulations. Receiving imperial offerings, these are among the oldest and most authoritative shrines in Japan.
Myōjin Taisha
The grandest tier of Shikinaisha — shrines with such exceptional divine power that the imperial court performed special prayers there during national crises like epidemics or disasters.
New Ichinomiya
Shrines designated as regional leaders after the Meiji Restoration restructured Japan's provinces. Hokkaido Jingu and Naminouegu (Okinawa) are the most notable examples.