It would appear that Japanese practice their religion much like others might practice a musical instrument, or practice a sport, or practice a martial art.

With repeated practice on a muscial instrument our sensibilities grow over time to produce something enjoyable to hear.

With repetition in sports, we build muscle memory to be strong, coordinated, and graceful with our bodies.

With repetition in a martial art, we move beyond ordinary mental/physical actions and reactions to something sublime.

In this way, we don't need to know musical theory, or human physiology, or how mind-over-matter works.

So too with repetition in Japanese religious activities -- fresh sakaki leaves at the kamidana; incense and bell ringing at the butsudan; temizu purification at the chōzuya; kashiwade (clapping hands and bowing) at the shrine offering box -- each of these helps the practitioner to become more spiritually coordinated.

Shinto is not an intellectual endeavor: it has no doctrine or scriptures or commandments. Just practice and gratitude for all that's been given to us.