Sacred High City, Sacred Low City A Tale of Religious Sites in Two Tokyo Neighborhoods

"Steven Heine offers a provocative paradigm for understanding Japanese religion, one adding to the 'Born Shinto, Die Buddhist' dichotomy by foregrounding the crucial 'Live Inari' dimension. Heine also suggests that the 'benefits' so often cited as impetus for religious practice are sometimes of an 'impractical yet this -worldly' (genze hi-ryaku) variety, meeting Japanese needs for consolation, refuge, and respect for historical memory. A must-read for students of Tokyo religiosity."-- John Tucker, Professor of History and University Historian, East Carolina University "This is necessary reading for those interested in Japanese religiosity in particular and in the Japanese worldview in general." --CHOICE"Through his exploration of sacred spaces in two Tokyo neighborhoods, Heine offers a nuanced critique of dominant notions about Japanese religious life. Paying careful attention to institutional structures and religious motivations in specific contexts, he opens up new perspectives on the complex religious landscape of Japan. Anyone interested in Buddhism, Shinto, ritual, and tradition will benefit from this groundbreaking book."-- Christopher Ives, author of Imperial-Way Zen"Heine's clear prose and engaging style reveals the historic and contemporary richness of Tokyo's most renowned--as well as often overlooked--ritual spaces. For anyone interested in the continued relevance and survival of religious institutions in today's global, post-modern and hyper-urbanized world, this is a must-read."-- Pamela D. Winfield, Department of Religious Studies, Elon University; Founding co-chair, Sacred Space in Asia Group, American Academy of Religion "Highly engaging and accessible... this is a significant contribution the the study of contemporary Japanese religiosity--particularly, but not exclusivley, urban religiosity...Sacred High City is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Japanese religions, sociology of religion, ritual s