The Difference Between Shrines And Temples

Characteristics of each

	Shrine (神道=Shinto)	Temple (Buddhism)
Landmark	Torii gate (鳥居)	Temple Gate (山門=Sanmon )
Objects of Worship	Japanese deities (nature, great historical figures, etc.)	Buddhist statues (Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, etc.)
People who are there	Shinto priest (神主=Kan’nushi ), Shinto shrine maiden (巫女=miko )	Head priest (住職=Jūshoku ), Buddhist monk (お坊さん=Oterasan)
Worship etiquette	Two bows, two claps, one bow (Two deep bows, two claps, and one final bow)	Press your palms together in front of your chest and bow once (do not clap).

Shrines are religious facilities of Shintoism.

Shrines are religious facilities of Shintoism and are considered places where gods reside.
It is based on an indigenous religion that originated naturally in Japan.
It is a polytheistic faith with no founder or central scripture, and its roots lie in animism—a primitive belief system holding that deities dwell within all things in the universe, including nature itself—such as mountains, rivers, massive trees, and rocks.
Natural disasters such as typhoons, droughts, and earthquakes were perceived as the wrath of God.
Shrines are established primarily to pacify and protect; they serve as places where people express gratitude for their safety that day and offer reverence to the deity, while also praying for continued safety in the future.

A temple is a religious facility for Buddhism.

Fundamentally, a temple is a religious facility dedicated to the study of the Buddha’s teachings.
Temples were established as places where monks—who believe in and practice the teachings of Shakyamuni—study doctrine and engage in spiritual training, serving as spaces for becoming one with the Buddha.

Old shrines and temples

It is said that in the past, there was no particular distinction made between shrines and temples.
It was in 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era) that shrines and temples became clearly separated.
It was triggered by the “Order for the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism” (also known as the “Order Distinguishing Shinto and Buddhism”) issued by the new Meiji government, which prohibited the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism—a fusion that had existed for approximately a thousand years.
After researching it again on my own, I’m not entirely sure if I learned about it in elementary or middle school history class…
( ..)φ There are many things you won’t know unless you look them up yourself.

Until the Edo period, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, despite belonging to different religions, cooperated with each other, and it was common to find shrines and temples located on the same grounds.。

The reason why the Japanese have worshipped both indigenous Japanese gods and foreign Buddhist deities, and have associated them together, is because their indigenous culture was strong and information and education, which are not easily disseminated, was not as prevalent as they are today.
I believe this is because the Japanese people have been able to accept many gods and have cultivated a religious view that prioritizes coexistence over exclusive beliefs.
Apparently, this is called *shinbutsu-shūgō [神仏習合]* (the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism).
In the concept of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, for example, there is the idea that “gods are actually temporary forms, and their true form is that of Buddha.”
I believe that Japanese culture today is the result of a process of flexible integration.
It may well be part of the Japanese temperament to readily embrace events like Christmas and Halloween in modern times.
Furthermore, it is precisely because of this temperament that the Japanese—beyond mere health-related restrictions—continuously evolve their cuisine and voraciously expand the range of ingredients they use.
And then there is the practice, common among Japanese people, of turning to the gods for help in times of distress.……。
“Oh God, oh Buddha (神様 仏様=Kamisama hotokesama )…”
There is a saying to that effect, and I believe most Japanese people can understand how, when driven into a corner or facing a desperate situation, one might turn to the gods or Buddha for help.

Characteristics of the method of worship

	Shrine (神道=Shinto)	Temple (Buddhism)
1.Entrance	Bow once in front of the torii gate.	Bow once in front of the temple gate.
2.Sandō	Walking toward the worship hall.	Walk toward the main hall.
3.Temizuya (手水屋)	Purifying the hands and mouth [The practice appears to be the same at both shrines and temples.] (Wash in the order of left hand → right hand → mouth → left hand → ladle.) From the official JINJA HONCHO (Association of Shinto Shrines) channel.
4.	Stand in front of the worship hall, make an offering, and ring the bell.	If there is an incense burner, light incense sticks and candles.
5.	Two bows, two claps, one bow. (Bow deeply twice, clap twice, and then bow once more. If you wish to make a request, clasp your hands and pray after that.)	Stand in front of the principal Buddha statue and make an offering.
6.	After passing through the torii gate, turn around and bow once.	Press your palms together, bow once, silently make your wish, bow once more, and then leave.

*Practices may vary depending on the specific shrine or temple. Please check with each individual shrine or temple.

Appropriate Attire for Visiting Shrines and Temples

Recommended Attire for Men Visiting the Shrine

・Collared shirt (dress shirt or polo shirt)
・Long trousers (slacks or formal chinos)
・Shoes (shoes without heels are not permitted)

Recommended Attire for Women Visiting the Shrine

・one piece
・Long skirt or
・Long trousers (slacks or formal chinos)
・Shoes (shoes without heels are not permitted)

While the guidelines suggest avoiding outfits that expose too much skin or are overly casual, I read on various shrine websites that there is no need to be overly rigid about it—what matters most is your sincerity.
So, I decided to simply switch from sandals to proper shoes before visiting the shrine.

Even if you have good intentions, it is best not to run around or make a commotion.

About Goshuin (Temple/Shrine Seals)

You can receive a Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) at the reception area or office of the shrine or temple after your visit.
At shrines, it is common to obtain them at the *juyosho* (counter for sacred items) or the *社務所=shamusho* (shrine office).At a temple, it is the “temple office” (*寺務所=jimusho*).
I’ve heard that it’s proper etiquette to open your goshuincho (stamp book) beforehand and hold it with both hands when you hand it over, but when I get my stamps written in it, I ask a lot of questions, saying, “I’ve just started, so I don’t really know what to do.”
There don’t seem to be any strict rules, but the ink bled through to the back of the pages in my *goshuin-cho* (seal book), so I switched to a new one.
I keep separate stamp books for shrines and temples. I did it that way because practices differ between shrines (Shinto) and temples (Buddhism), though there doesn’t seem to be any strict rule about it. 

When you receive a *goshuin* (shrine or temple seal), you are advised to first accept it with both hands and express your gratitude by saying, “Thank you.=arigatōgozaimasu’ “
It is said that the standard practice is to cherish it as a token of your connection with the gods or Buddhas, and—upon returning home—to enshrine or keep it in a respectful spot, such as a *kamidana* (household altar) or a quiet location situated above eye level.
(;・∀・) I’ve been thinking about it again, but I still don’t quite understand it.
Above all, I make an effort to maintain a sense of gratitude.
Post your Goshuin here. 

Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine or Temple

There are certain points of etiquette to observe, such as walking along the side of the approach path at a shrine—since the center is considered the path for the deity—and avoiding stepping on the threshold of the main gate at a temple.

Traditionally, many facilities restrict the entry of pets.
In recent years, the number of places that allow pets to accompany their owners or offer prayers for them has increased; however, there are still many locations where activities such as walking dogs are prohibited.
Please check with each shrine or temple.

There is still so much I don’t know, so I plan to observe these manners and enjoy the atmosphere.
Please use this information merely as a reference; I encourage you to verify the details with the respective shrines or temples before visiting.

I referred to the official website of the Association of Shinto Shrines. Official website of the Association of Shinto Shrines HP 

Thank you for watching.