What is a Japanese Shrine? How is it Different from a Temple?
Have you ever heard of places like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Meiji Jingu, Ise Jingu, Itsukushima Shrine, or Izumo Taisha? These are some of the most famous shrines in Japan and are incredibly popular with tourists from around the world.
While many people know they are connected to religion, not everyone knows how shrines differ from temples. This guide is here to explain what shrines are and how they fit into Japanese culture, especially for travelers or anyone curious about Japan.
Shrines and Shinto
The places mentioned above are Shinto shrines, part of Japan’s native religion, Shinto.
There are over 100,000 shrines in Japan, most of them small and used by local communities. But the larger ones, like Meiji Jingu and Fushimi Inari Taisha, draw visitors from across the country and the world.
Shrines are sacred spaces dedicated to Shinto gods, also known as kami. Shinto is a polytheistic religion, meaning it worships many gods, often tied to nature. These gods might represent mountains, rivers, or trees. Some shrines also honor historical figures.
Japanese People and Shinto
If you ask a Japanese person what religion they follow, many will say, “I don’t have one.” But that doesn’t mean they don’t believe in anything. Shinto has been part of Japanese life for so long that it influences people’s actions and traditions without them realizing it.
For example, people visit shrines to pray for their family’s health or happiness. The phrase itadakimasu before meals, which expresses gratitude for food, also comes from Shinto beliefs.
Shinto emphasizes respect for everything, as it teaches that gods are present in all things. This belief affects everyday behaviors, like keeping public spaces clean, not wasting food, and following rules.
You might have heard of yakudoshi, or “unlucky years.” Many Japanese people believe certain ages are more prone to misfortune and visit shrines to pray for protection.
Everyday Life and Shrines
Even today, shrines play an important role in people’s lives. In rural areas, children might play in shrine grounds, families hold weddings at shrines, and parents bring their newborns to shrines for blessings.
One of the most significant times for shrines is New Year’s. Millions of people visit shrines in early January to pray for good fortune in the new year. For example, over 3 million people visit Meiji Jingu every New Year’s Day.
What Makes a Shrine Special?
Long ago, people in Japan believed gods lived in nature, like mountains, waterfalls, forests, or rocks. Shrines were created to mark these sacred spaces. Over time, simple markers like shimenawa ropes became permanent structures, evolving into the shrines we see today.
In Shinto, gods are considered invisible. The innermost part of a shrine, called the honden (main hall), is thought to be a temporary home for the gods.
Today, there are over 80,000 registered shrines in Japan. Famous shrines like Meiji Jingu and Izumo Taisha are the largest in their regions, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Visiting a Shrine as a Tourist
Shrines are generally open to everyone, regardless of religion, and foreign visitors are welcome. However, some areas within shrines may be off-limits as sacred spaces.
For Japanese people, shrines are familiar places, so they naturally know how to behave there. As a visitor, it’s good to remember that shrines are sacred, not just tourist spots. If you imagine how you’d act in a religious site in your own country, you’ll be on the right track.
Here are some tips for visiting shrines respectfully:
- Dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing.
- Keep your voice down.
- Don’t sit on the ground.
- Avoid touching or climbing on torii gates or fences.
- Don’t take stones or items from the shrine grounds.
Key Features of a Shrine
Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the entrance to the shrine and separates the human world from the sacred world. Many torii are painted red, a color that symbolizes the sun and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Sando (Pathway)
The sando is the path leading from the torii to the shrine’s main hall. It’s said to be the gods’ path, so visitors should walk along the sides, not the center.
Temizuya (Purification Fountain)
At the entrance, you’ll find a fountain where visitors purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths.
Komainu (Guardian Statues)
Stone statues of lion-like creatures stand at the entrance to protect the shrine from evil spirits.
Sacred Forests
Many shrines are surrounded by forests, and some trees within the grounds are marked with shimenawa ropes to show they are sacred.
Ema (Prayer Plaques)
At most shrines, you’ll find wooden plaques called ema, where visitors write their wishes or thanks. These are usually hung up at the shrine as offerings and cost between ¥500–¥1,000. Some people take them home as souvenirs, but traditionally they are meant to be left at the shrine.
How Are Shrines Different from Temples?
Shrines are part of Shinto, while temples belong to Buddhism.
- Shrines often have names that include words like Jingu (e.g., Meiji Jingu) or Taisha (e.g., Izumo Taisha).
- Temples often have names ending in -ji (e.g., Kinkaku-ji).
Although Shinto and Buddhism are different religions, they have coexisted in Japan for centuries. It’s common for Japanese people to follow both—visiting a shrine for a baby’s blessing and a temple for a funeral, for example. This blending of traditions is a unique and important part of Japanese culture.
