Kamidana - translation: kami or spirit shelf. These are miniature Shinto shrines in homes and offices usually mounted up high on the wall (to keep them from getting bumped) in a well-lit spot, usually facing East or South. Ofuda (prayer plaques), small tablets of paper and wood inscribed with the names of the local kami plus any associated with the home or business are housed within.
Typical offerings for the kami are little dishes or trays (called sanbo) containing rice, salt and water. Saki and other foods may be provided to the kami on special occasions.
A shide is another form of offering, strips of paper attached to a special boarder rope or a branch or staff of the Shinboku tree.
