In Shinto, shintai (神体 body of the kami?), or go-shintai (御神体 sacred body of the kami?) when the honorific prefix go- is used, are physical objects worshipped at or near Shinto shrines as repositories in which spirits or kami reside.[1] Shintai used in Shrine Shinto (Jinja Shinto) can be also called mitamashiro (御霊代 spirit replacement or substitute?).[1]

In spite of what their name may suggest, shintai are not themselves part of kami, but rather just temporary repositories which make them accessible to human beings for worship.[2] Shintai are also of necessity yorishiro, that is objects by their very nature capable of attracting kami.

A kadomatsu (門松?, "gate pine") is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year placed in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest. They are placed after Christmas until January 7 (or January 15 during the Edo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) for kami. Designs for kadomatsu vary depending on region but are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.[1] "The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami (deity), who will then bring a bountiful harvest for farmers and bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone."