Temples & Shrines
寺 神社
Temples and shrines are great places to feel Japanese culture. It is also the main points of interest for travelers.
These are sacred places where you will be able to slow and calm down.
Discover the typical colors and architecture of the sites and live a cultural change.
The difference lies in the religion that is practiced. Temples are Buddhist places while Shrines are Shintoist places. Temples usually have a graveyard beside and you will find many Buddhist statues. Shrines however, have large sacred red gates at the entrance called Torii.
The difference
Temple
Shrine
However there are many other differences
Temple
It is a place where you pray for paradise after death or happiness in your current life. Praying at a temple is like making a “vow” to improve one’s environment and life rather than “wishing”.
Shrine
The shrine is a place where people pray for happiness in the world. Visiting a Shrine is a cleansing process for body and mind. It is said that praying for yourself deviates from the original purpose since this religion embodies the idea that God dwells in everything.
Shintoism is a Japanses religion through which people worship many different gods as well as Nature, mountains, forests, stones, sacred trees and specific people.
Many Japanese people pray both Buddhist and Shinto Gods, visit Shrines every New Year and hold funerals the Buddhist way. It is something unique to Japan that both religions can be practiced without any discomfort.
Worship methods
Temple
After a donation, both hands are put together in front of the chest. Hands should not be clapped.
Shrine
Japanese people cherish.
1
2
Bow slightly once
Put money into the offertory
A slight bow in front of the hall of worship
Gently put in without throwing
Left hand
Right hand
5
6
Put hands together
Clap twice
The right hand slightly toward you
Put your hands back together
3
4
Ring the bell
Bow deeply twice
It has the mysterious power to purge feelings of malice
Fold hips at 90 degrees
7
Pray
8
Bow deeply once
Quietly with hands together
Politely bow once at the end