The kami-dana (神棚, lit. ‘god/deity shelf’) is just as described: a shelf (tana 棚) whose function is to hold a miniature shrine that enshrines various Shintо̄ gods (kami 神). It is usually installed above the lintel datum (uchi-nori 内法) in the hiroma or dei. The simplest kami-dana consists of nothing more than a board shelf; at a slightly higher level of refinement, a 50 - 60cm deep plastered alcove might be hollowed out in the wall, with folding doors attached to the front. In cases where the roof space above the room was provided with an upper floor (tsushi つし or ama あま), measures were taken to ensure that people did not tread on the area of floor directly above the kami-dana: a paper on which ‘上’ (ue or kami, ‘above’) was written was stuck on this area of floor, or it might also be raised slightly above the level of the surrounding floor. It was also considered preferable to avoid passing under the kami-dana wherever possible.

A magnificent *kami-dana* in a *minka* in the Noto region, where there are many such examples. The wall above the picture rail (*nageshi* 長押) is fully occupied by the seats of various deities. This room is divided from the *zashiki* and its Buddhist alcove (*butsuma* 仏間) beyond by austere *obito* (帯戸, timber panel and mid-rail sliding partitions), indicating that those of low status are not to enter the *zashiki*. Former Kuromaru (黒丸) family residence, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The walled area above the uchi-nori is considered the seat of the local Shintо̄ guardian deities and other especially favoured gods, a practice seen at, and perhaps originating at, Ise Shrine (Kо̄tai Jingū 皇大神宮) in Mie Prefecture. Ideally the kami-dana faces either east (an outcome of its being installed behind the yoko-za seating position at the irori, which in the typical south-facing house also faces east); or, when found in the dei, south.