Taoism has profoundly, yet often subtly, shaped various Japanese spiritual concepts and rituals, particularly influencing superstitious, astrological, and demon-related beliefs more than its philosophical aspects. Its impact is significantly seen in the development of practices like Onmyōdō (yin-yang divination) and Shugendō (shamanistic mountain worship), which began integrating Taoist elements from the 7th century onwards. Key rituals, such as the widely practiced Setsubun chant of "Demons out! Luck in!", and the unique Kōshin cult—a vigil on the 57th day of a 60-day cycle to avert spiritual judgment—demonstrate these deep Taoist roots.

Furthermore, Taoist fulu charms inspired Shinto ofuda, and its sophisticated calendar systems for determining auspicious days were officially adopted into the Japanese legal system via the Ommyokan (Bureau of yin and yang) in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. These pervasive ritualistic and cosmological ideas continue to influence diverse aspects of Japanese spiritual life, from daily superstitions to specific Shinto traditions like Ise and Yoshida Shintō, with research into Daoism in Japan continuing to this day.