Abstract
The objective of this study is to make clear the difference of spatial conceptions of open spaces of Shinto shrines between Shasoh and its synonyms “Chinjyuno-mori ”and “Shaji-rin”. We approached the sides of qualitative changes and quantitative changes. By both side of research, we could make clear the meanings and their contexts considered with the social background of their words. As a result, we can mention similarities and differences between “Shasoh”, “Chinjyuno-mori” and “Shaji-rin”. From 1975 onward, the spaces of forest of Shinto shrines were attentioned for study site by various kinds of scientific fields. The spatial conception of “Shasoh” was intended for the space of forests only in Shinto shrines. This word was taken the Shintoism into their consideration. The spatial conception of “Chinjyuno-mori” was intended for image for gods or spiritual spaces “Geniusu Loci” in origin, and then intended for the valuable site for ecological and botanical study as space of native forest. The spatial conception of “Shaji-rin” was used by political stance at first, and then it was intended for the spaces involved in politics of forests and fields. This word wasn't distinguished between the space and image of Shinto shrine and Buddhism temple.
