Shrines and temples are a common sight throughout Japan, so it may come as a surprise to learn that religion doesn't play an enormous part in most people's everyday lives here.
Rather, it's a thread running though the country's historical, cultural and social fabric that's embraced on special occasions like weddings, or celebrated at festivals—while also providing a moral compass with which to navigate life. That said, most Japanese people today would consider themselves a believer in either Shintōism or Buddhism, which are the country's two main religions.
The Story With Shintōism
Shintōism is indigenous to Japan with roots dating back to ancient times, and was once considered the state religion. It's more a way of living than a set of hard-and-fast beliefs—with no leader, sacred texts, or appointed time to worship—and centres around respecting things in nature thought to have gods, or 'kami'. These can include the elements (wind, rain), the landscape (mountains, lakes), and even ideas (fertility). It is also believed that people become ancestral kami for their families once they die, with notable or famous individuals like emperors being honoured at specific shrines.
These shrines—usually recognised by their imposing red entrance gates, or 'torii'—are thought to be inhabited by kami and as such, are where people go to pray, worship, and make offerings. They are also the site of various cultural festivals or 'matsuri' throughout the year, such as New Year and Setsubun, and a place to obtain ema (hanging plaques on which you can write prayer requests) and talismans (which you can get for almost anything, even safety in traffic!).
One of Japan's most famous Shintō shrines is the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, which has around ten thousand torii, stacked neatly together to create tunnels. These have been donated over several centuries by shrine-goers, including those who received answers to prayer.
Shintō Shrine Etiquette
If you're thinking of visiting a Shintō shrine, please remember to follow the necessary etiquette. For example, you must walk through the torii to one side (the centre is reserved strictly for kami), before washing both your hands and mouth within the pavilion or 'chozuya' provided, to purify your spirit. If you wish to pray, this can be done by throwing a coin into the offering box—usually located in front of the shrine's main hall or 'honden'—ringing the bell (if there is one), bowing twice, clapping twice, praying and finally, bowing again.
Breaking Down Buddhism
On the other hand, Buddhism is one of the world's leading religions and was founded in India around two and a half thousand years ago by Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha, before making its way across Asia to Japan. Unlike Shintōism, it has a strong inward focus—one of the core goals of Buddhism is reaching a state of enlightenment or inner peace, to prevent reincarnation (the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth). Buddhists do not pray directly to Buddha—instead, they pray as a way to show him respect and better connect with his teachings.
Temples are the hub of Buddhist life and are known for their house-like gates and trademark statues. One of Japan's most famous Buddha statues is the Guinness World Record-holding Ushiku Daibutsu. This incredible structure is a whopping 120 metres-tall, and is so big it houses a souvenir shop and other facilities across five floors.
Buddhist Temple Etiquette
Again, if you are planning on visiting a Buddhist temple, please observe the correct protocol. This is actually very similar to that of a Shintō shrine, with a chozuya at your perusal and often incense or 'osenko' you can burn for purification. If you wish to pray inside the main hall, you may need to remove your shoes before throwing a coin into the offering box, bowing, holding your hands together to pray, bowing again and then bowing once more when you leave the temple grounds. If you are ever in any doubt about what to do either here or at a Shintō shrine, look for signs, ask staff or failing that, simply watch what other people are doing.
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