30/01/2026
Planning a visit to Japan's sacred sites? 🇯🇵✨
Here is your essential guide to visiting Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples!
While they may seem similar, shrines and temples belong to different traditions with unique rituals. Check out the infographic above for a step-by-step guide on how to pay your respects correctly at each one.
What's the difference?
⛩️ Shinto Shrines (Jinja): These are the dwelling places of "Kami" (Shinto gods/spirits). Visiting is about purifying yourself and connecting with these spirits, often associated with nature or ancestors.
🏯 Buddhist Temples (Otera): These are places dedicated to the teachings of Buddha. They house statues of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas and are focused on achieving inner peace and enlightenment.
Everyone is Welcome! One of the most beautiful things about visiting these sites is that they are open to everyone, regardless of your faith. You are warmly welcomed to visit, appreciate the atmosphere, and offer a prayer, as long as you do so with respect. 🙏
💡 Key Etiquette Tips to Remember:
Walk on the Side: When entering a Shinto Shrine through a Torii gate, make sure to walk on the left or right side of the path (Sando). Why? The center of the path is considered the passage for the gods, so we walk on the side out of respect.
Offering Comes First: Before you ring the bell, clap, or say your prayer, always gently toss your coin into the offering box (Saisen-bako) first. This act serves as an offering to the deities to show your gratitude and respect before asking for anything.
Save this post for your future trip to Japan and enjoy the serene experience!
