Temples and shrines are the architectural and spiritual foundation of Japan’s cultural landscape. With over 77,000 Buddhist temples and 80,000 Shinto shrines across the country, sacred sites are never far away. This guide covers the difference between temples and shrines, visiting etiquette, and the key sites for visitors.
Temples vs. Shrines: Understanding the Difference
| Buddhist Temple (寺) | Shinto Shrine (神社) | |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | Buddhism | Shinto |
| Entrance gate | Sanmon (wooden gate) | Torii gate |
| Prayer style | Hands pressed together, bow | Two bows, two claps, one bow |
| Water purification | Sometimes present | Temizuya (purification basin) standard |
Many Japanese sacred sites blend Buddhist and Shinto elements due to the historical syncretic tradition. The Meiji government mandated separation in 1868, but the lines often remain blurred.
Visiting Etiquette at Shrines
- Bow before passing under the torii gate.
- Use the temizuya: ladle water over both hands to purify before approaching the main hall.
- At the main hall: toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice deeply, clap twice, offer a silent prayer, bow once more.
- Omikuji (fortune slips) are available for ¥100–¥200. Tie bad fortunes to the designated wire.
- Ema (wooden votive plaques): write wishes and hang at the designated area.
Visiting Etiquette at Temples
- Incense: light a bundle in the burner and waft smoke toward yourself — considered purifying.
- At the main hall: toss a coin, press hands together in gassho, bow, and offer quiet reverence.
- Stamp books (goshuincho): collect calligraphed ink stamps at major temples and shrines.
- Photography is generally permitted outdoors. Interior worship halls often prohibit cameras.
Must-Visit Temples
Senso-ji, Tokyo (Asakusa)
Tokyo’s oldest temple, dedicated to Kannon. The Kaminarimon gate with its enormous red lantern is Tokyo’s most photographed structure. The Nakamise shopping street leads to the main hall. Free entry; open 24 hours.
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, reflected in a pond. Originally a shogun’s 1397 retirement villa. Current structure is a 1955 reconstruction. Admission ¥400.
Todai-ji, Nara
Houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue (15m high). The Daibutsuden is the world’s largest wooden building. The surrounding Nara Park has freely roaming sacred deer. 45–60 min from Osaka/Kyoto. Admission ¥600.
Ryoan-ji, Kyoto
Famous for Japan’s finest karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden — fifteen stones in white gravel, always with at least one hidden from any viewpoint. UNESCO World Heritage site. Admission ¥600.
Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture
A major active Soto Zen training monastery founded in 1244. Unlike most temples, Eiheiji is a functioning monastery. The complex of 70 buildings on a forested mountainside is architecturally remarkable. About 2.5 hours from Kyoto.
Must-Visit Shrines
Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto
Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of foxes, rice, and prosperity. Famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates forming tunnels on mountain trails. The full trail to the 233m summit takes 2–3 hours. Free entry; open 24 hours.
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
A forested shrine complex in central Tokyo dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The approach through tall forest provides an atmospheric transition from surrounding urban density. Free entry.
Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine), Mie Prefecture
Japan’s most sacred Shinto site — a complex of over 125 shrines. The main buildings are rebuilt in identical form every 20 years in a ritual of renewal practised since 690 CE. About 90 min from Nagoya or Osaka by limited express.
Nikko Tosho-gu, Tochigi Prefecture
An elaborately ornate shrine built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu. Notable for extravagant decoration — gilded carvings, elaborate colour work, and the famous three monkeys panel. UNESCO World Heritage. About 2 hours from Tokyo on the Tobu limited express.
Related Pages
For cultural context, see Religion in Japan: Shinto, Buddhism, and Spirituality and Japanese Culture Guide. For day trip planning, see Day Trips from Tokyo and Kyoto.