Temples and Shrines

Tosho-gu Shrine, Nikko, Japan

The majority of Japanese people are both Shinto and Buddhists.  They worship at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples which are often co-located and built by an imperial family or daimyo (powerful territorial lords of shoguns).  At first you don't even realize there is a difference and then you start to notice their separate characteristics. 

Futarasan-Jinja torii gate in Nikko, japan

Shinto is the Japanese indigenous religion based on worshiping Shinto gods (called kami).  They are generally sacred spirits that take the form of natural things like mountains or fertility. The outward characteristics are that a shrine always has a torii gate at the entrance and are protected by a pair of statues of lions or something fierce.  Shrines have a purifying water trough to clean your hands and mouth before entering the shrine for prayers.  There is a very specific way to say the prayers including throwing a coin into a wooden box, a series of bows, claps, and ringing a small bell.  There can be several buildings; meeting halls, possibly living quarters for the Shinto priest and a main hall that contains relics. 

Fierce shrine guard

Purifying trough at a local Shrine

Temple in Kyoto

Temples in Japan are similar to Buddhist temples anywhere and all contain a Buddha statue.  There will be incense burning and its smoke is used to purify yourself before prayers. Temples often will have a pagoda on the grounds and a main building for prayers and worship.  Buddhism came to Japan in the 6th century, but these days it seems that the Shinto and Buddhist religions are hybridizing in Japan.

Pagoda at Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo