Sect Shinto

Sect Shinto (教派神道, Kyōha Shintō; or 宗派神道, Shūha Shintō) refers to independently organized Shinto groups that were excluded from the government-sponsored State Shinto in 1882. In contrast to mainstream Shrine Shinto, which primarily emphasizes ritual practices, Sect Shinto often incorporates specific theological doctrines. Many of these sects are affiliated with the Association of Sectarian Shinto (教派神道連合会, Kyōha Shintō Rengōkai).

Prior to World War II, Sect Shinto was composed of 13 officially recognized denominations, commonly referred to as the "thirteen Shinto sects." Sect Shinto's composition has since changed.

Shrine Shinto represents a collective tradition of various local shrines and customary beliefs throughout Japan. These were later unified under the authority of the Ise Grand Shrine during the Meiji period. Sect Shinto is rooted in kokugaku (lit. 'national study'), a school of thought that emphasized Japanese classical literature and Shinto philosophy.

Although Tenrikyo has historically been classified as a form of Sect Shinto, it is commonly regarded as a distinct monotheistic religion.