Temples, Shrines and Charms - A Summary of Japanese Religion

The Differences Between Shrines and Temples

Photograph from: There Is A Great Buddha Statue in Tokyo!? Yes! At Jorenji Temple
Japan's temples and shrines are the institutions of two different religions, Buddhism (temples) and Shintoism (shrines). In terms of design, there are Buddhist statues and graveyards inside the temple grounds, while at shrines torii (archway gates) can be seen.

Another image of shrines is that of places to worship and celebrate, while temples are places for memorial services and to pay respects to one's ancestors.

For further information, take a look at the following articles.

How to Visit Temples and Shrines

Photograph from: Toyoiwa Inari Shrine - A Hidden Shrine in Ginza
Since the religion is different, visiting manners to a temple or shrine are also different.

How to Pay a Visit to a Shrine

The following is the proper procedure when visiting a shrine.

1. Wash Your Hands at the Chozuya

Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the chozuya (purification place).

2. Ring the Bell at the Main Shrine

There is a large bell with a long rope at the main shrine. Swing the rope firmly and ring the bell.

3. Throw in the Osaisen (Money Offering)

Some people just throw the money in, but dropping it quietly is the right way.

4. Nirei, Nihakushu (Two Bows, Two Claps)

Bow twice, and clap your hands twice.

5. Praying

Place your hands together, but don't interlace your fingers. One hand should be placed slightly in front of the other.

6. Bow Once

Take a final bow. The fourth, fifth and the sixth step may be different at each shrine. If you want to do it properly, ask the staff at the shrine for assistance.

For further information, please take a look at the following article.

How to Pray at a Temple

The following is the proper manner to pray at a temple. The biggest difference from the shrine is that you don't clap your hands at the temple.

1. Wash Your Hands at the Chozuya

Photograph from: A Guide to get the Most out of Sensoji Temple
This is the same as at the shrine. If there is a chozuya, wash your hands.

2. Soak in the Smoke

If there is a jokoro (incense burner), soak in its smoke. This is a way to purify your body. The incense burner has a canopy, and smoking is performed as shown in the photograph above.

3. Throw in the Osaisen and Pray

To repeat, do not clap your hands. Hold your hands together, and bow.

4. Bow Once, and Step Back from the Main Temple Hall

After the prayer, make a slight bow, and step back from the main temple hall.

Check Out the Omikuji

Photograph from: The Fox-themed Items at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto (Japanese)
The Japanese love to draw a omikuji (fortune telling slips) at a shrine or a temple, to see how their luck will turn out.

Don't worry if the result isn't good. It only costs 100 to 200 yen, so just draw them and have fun.

If you want to learn more about omikuji, take a look at the following article.

The Eto Goods at the Shrine

In Japan, similar to the constellations assigned to each month of the year, a specific animal from a group of 12, called eto, is assigned every year.

That is why the Japanese say things like "the year of the rabbit."

An omamori (charm or amulet) with a design of that year's animal is sold at shrines. If the animal of the year you were born is being sold, that might make a nice souvenir of your trip.

If you want to know the symbolic animal of your birth year, take a look at this English Wikipedia page.

To learn more about eto, read the following article.

What is an Omamori?

Photograph from: Sensoji Temple: How to Handle Charms (Asakusa)
An omamori (charm/amulet) is an item to ensure good fortune, sold at shrines and temples. Each omamori has its own power, such as keeping the owner safe, or inviting good fortune - it depends on which type you select.

For further information, read the following article.

An Ema: Making a Wish Come True

Photograph from: Make Your Wish At A Shrine! How To Dedicate Ema
An ema used to mean a wooden tablet dedicated to a shrine or a temple to offer thanks for making a wish come true. Now, it is used to send one's wishes to the deities. If you want to learn more, read the article Japanese Encyclopedia: "Ema" and "Goriyaku".

Goshuin: Stamp Seals from Shrines and Temples

Photograph from: Sacred Monkeys in Central Tokyo: Hie Shrine
A goshuin is a stamp seal to prove that a person has visited a shrine or a temple. If you plan to visit shrines and temples, collecting these beautiful seals will be fun.

Photograph from: Collect Seal Stamps from Japanese Temples and Shrines

For further information, read the following article.

How to Properly Visit a Grave

Photograph from: Cemetery Landscape; Feel Someone's Presence at Yanaka Cemetery, Nippori
There is often a graveyard inside the temple grounds. If you're going to visit someone's grave, be sure to check the article How to Visit a Grave Using Good Manners.

What do you think? It may seem that there are many rules, but even the Japanese don't know all the rules regarding the right manners at shrines and temples. Don't worry too much, and enjoy visiting the various Japanese shrines and temples!