It has long been believed in Japan that the souls of deceased ancestors resided in mountains, and it is thought that the practice of enshrining yashiki-gami originated when this belief led to the creation of places of worship in mountain forests near to domestic residences.
日本では、古くから死んだ祖先の魂は山に住むと信じられてきたが、その信仰を背景として、屋敷近くの山林に祖先を祀る祭場を設けたのが起源だと考えられる。