writings about the gods; sacred texts
Broad term for texts dealing with deities, not limited to Shinto. Can refer to mythological or religious writings in general.
The sacred texts record the story of the creation of heaven and earth.
Shinto scripture; Shinto canon
Specifically refers to the central texts of Shinto, such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
The Kojiki is considered the oldest Shinto scripture.
Compound of 神 (shin, 'god') and 典 (ten, 'code, rule, scripture'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used to refer to Shinto canonical texts since at least the Edo period.