Living in Japan has been full of surprises, and one of the things that really caught my attention was the number of beautiful Japanese shrines all over the country. At first, I just admired them for their beauty—the red torii gates, peaceful courtyards, and the quiet, calm atmosphere.
But over time, as I visited more and talked to local friends, I started to realise that Japanese shrines are more than just pretty places. They are a big part of Japan’s culture and religion, offering a way to connect with something deeper. If, like me, you’ve seen shrines and thought they looked interesting but didn’t know much about them, let me share what I’ve learned.
I’ll explain what shrines are, how they’re different from temples, what to expect when visiting, and how to follow the customs—so you can appreciate them more on your next visit.
Shrines vs Temples: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things that confused me when I arrived in Japan was the difference between shrines (jinja) and temples (tera). At first, they seemed the same to me. Both have beautiful buildings and peaceful spaces, and people visit them to pray or reflect.
The key difference is this: shrines are part of Shinto, Japan’s traditional religion that focuses on spirits of nature called kami. Temples are Buddhist and focus on the teachings of Buddha, who came from India. While both religions are important in Japan, shrines and temples serve different purposes and are easy to tell apart once you know what to look for.
A quick way to spot a shrine is by looking for a torii gate. This is a wooden gate, usually red, that stands at the entrance to a shrine. Temples don’t have torii gates; instead, they often have larger gates called sanmon. Also, temples have statues or images of Buddha, while shrines are connected to kami, the spirits of Shinto.
How to Identify a Shrine
If you’re visiting Japan and want to recognise shrines, there are a few key features that will help you figure it out:
- Torii Gate: This is the most obvious sign that you are entering a shrine. The torii gate marks the boundary between the normal world and the sacred area of the shrine.
- Purification Basin: Near the entrance, you’ll usually find a stone basin with water. Visitors are expected to wash their hands and rinse their mouths here before entering. This ritual is a way to cleanse yourself before approaching the kami.
- Main Hall (haiden): This is where people come to offer prayers. You’ll often see an offering box, a bell to ring, and space for clapping and bowing during prayers. It’s a simple but special place where people connect with the kami.
- Sacred Trees and Shimenawa: Many shrines have large trees with ropes made of rice straw around them. These ropes are called shimenawa and show that the trees are considered sacred, as they are believed to be home to the kami.
Different Types of Shrines
As I visited more shrines, I learned that there are many different kinds, each with a special purpose or history. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Jingu (神宮): These shrines are dedicated to important Shinto gods or Japan’s emperors. The most famous is Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture, which honours Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
- Inari Shrines (稲荷神社): These are shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. Inari shrines are easy to spot because they often have lots of red torii gates and fox statues. The most famous is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
- Hachiman Shrines (八幡神社): These shrines are dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war, and they have a strong connection to Japan’s samurai warriors. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura is a well-known Hachiman shrine.
- Tenjin Shrines (天神神社): Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar who became the god of learning, these shrines are popular with students. Many visit to pray for success in their exams. Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka is a famous Tenjin shrine.
- Local Shrines: Throughout Japan, you’ll find smaller shrines in local areas. These shrines may not be as famous, but they are important to their communities and offer a peaceful place to visit.
Visiting a Shrine: What to Expect
Visiting a shrine for the first time might feel a little unfamiliar, but it’s actually quite easy to follow the customs. Most shrines welcome visitors, even if you’re not a local or part of the Shinto religion. Here’s what you should know before you go:
- Purify Yourself: Before approaching the shrine’s main hall, stop by the purification basin. Use the ladle to pour water over your left hand, then your right hand, and finally rinse your mouth. This ritual is a symbolic way of cleaning yourself before you approach the sacred space.
- Praying at the Main Hall: At the main hall, you’ll find a large offering box where people throw coins. After you drop your coin, follow these steps: bow twice, clap twice, make a wish or say a prayer, and then bow once more. It’s a simple and respectful way to show your appreciation to the kami.
- Respect the Space: Remember, shrines are sacred places, so it’s important to be respectful. Speak quietly, avoid standing in the centre of paths (which is reserved for the kami), and don’t take photos in areas where it’s not allowed.
- Drawing Omikuji and Writing Ema: At many shrines, you can participate in some of the customs. For example, omikuji are small paper fortunes you can draw to see your luck for the year. If you get a bad fortune, you can tie it to a tree or a special rack to leave the bad luck behind. Another tradition is writing your wishes or prayers on small wooden plaques called ema and hanging them at the shrine.
The Role of Nature in Shinto Shrines
One of the things I love most about shrines is how connected they are to nature. Shinto is a nature-based religion, which means that the spirits, or kami, are believed to live in natural objects like trees, rocks, rivers, and mountains. Because of this, shrines are often built in places surrounded by natural beauty.
For example, many shrines have special trees called shinboku, which are believed to house the kami. These trees are marked with ropes and are treated with great respect. Visiting a shrine often feels like stepping into a peaceful garden where everything—from the buildings to the surrounding nature—feels sacred and calm.
Tips for Foreign Visitors
As a foreigner living in Japan, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make your shrine visits easier and more enjoyable:
- Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: You don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to visit a shrine, but learning a few simple phrases like “thank you” (arigatou) and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can be helpful.
- Check for Local Festivals: Many shrines host festivals (matsuri) throughout the year. These are great opportunities to experience Japanese culture up close. Festivals often include parades, traditional music, and food stalls, and they offer a fun and lively way to see the shrine in action.
- Take Your Time: Shrines are places to relax and reflect, so don’t rush through them. Take your time to explore the grounds, sit quietly, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Even if you don’t follow the religion, shrines are wonderful places to experience Japan’s deep connection with nature and tradition.
Fully Appreciating Japanese Shrines
Over time, my appreciation for shrines has grown beyond just their beauty. Now, I see them as places where culture, nature, and spirituality come together. Whether you’re in Japan for a short visit or living here long-term, I highly recommend taking the time to visit these sacred spaces.
Each shrine has its own story and atmosphere, whether it’s a grand, famous shrine or a small, local one. By learning about their history and customs, you can experience them in a way that goes beyond just sightseeing—connecting with the deeper traditions and beliefs that make Japan such a fascinating place to live and explore.
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