Shrines vs. Temples: A Simple Guide to Japan’s Sacred Sites

Split illustration showing the difference between a Japanese Shrine and a Temple. The left side, labeled "SHRINE (JINJA)", features a red Torii gate at a forest entrance with stone lanterns and a fox statue. The right side, labeled "TEMPLE (TERA)", shows a large wooden Sanmon gate leading to a temple courtyard with a multi-tiered pagoda and an incense burner. Places
January 4, 2026

When walking around Japan, you will see religious sites everywhere. But are they Shrines? Or are they Temples? And more importantly, how do you pray without offending anyone?

To the untrained eye, they look similar. However, they belong to two different religions: Shinto (Japan’s indigenous spirituality) and Buddhism (imported from India/China).

Here is a simple guide to understanding the difference and mastering the etiquette.

1. How to Tell the Difference

Before you enter, look at the entrance.

  • Shrines (Jinja) = Shinto
    • Look for: A Torii Gate (often red/orange). This marks the boundary between the spirit world and the human world.
    • Vibe: Often focused on nature, purification, and celebrating life.
    • Guardians: You will often see “Komainu” (lion-dogs) or Foxes (at Inari shrines).
  • Temples (Tera) = Buddhism
    • Look for: A large wooden Sanmon Gate (often with a roof) and statues of Buddha. You might also smell incense burning.
    • Vibe: Focused on enlightenment and the afterlife.
    • Architecture: often feature a Pagoda (tiered tower) and a graveyard.
Split-screen comparison of Japanese religious architecture. The left side features a Shinto Shrine with a red Torii gate in a forest. The right side features a Buddhist Temple with a large wooden Sanmon gate and a multi-story pagoda.

2. The Purification Ritual (Chozuya)

Before approaching the main hall of a Shrine (and many Temples), you will see a water basin with ladles. This is to purify your body before praying.

  1. Take the ladle with your right hand and pour water over your left hand.
  2. Switch hands and wash your right hand.
  3. Pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth (do not touch the ladle directly to your mouth).
  4. Lift the ladle vertically to wash the handle with the remaining water.

3. How to Pray (The Golden Rule)

This is where most travelers get confused. The praying style is different!

At a Shrine (The “2-2-1” Rule)

  1. Throw a coin into the offering box (5-yen coins are considered lucky!).
  2. Ring the bell (if there is one) to wake up the gods.
  3. Bow twice deeply.
  4. Clap your hands twice.
  5. Make your wish (silently).
  6. Bow once more.

At a Temple (Silent Prayer)

  1. Throw your coin into the box.
  2. (Optional) Light incense if available and wave the smoke towards you (it is said to heal).
  3. Bow slightly.
  4. Put your hands together in prayer. DO NOT CLAP.
  5. Make your wish silently.
  6. Bow once more.

4. Fun Things to Do

Visiting these sites isn’t just about praying. Here are three activities you can try:

  • Omikuji (Fortune Slips): For 100–200 yen, you can buy a fortune. If you get a “Bad Luck” (Kyo) fortune, tie it to the designated wire rack to leave the bad luck behind.
Illustration of Omikuji (fortune slips) tied to a wire rack at a Japanese shrine. Numerous white paper strips are knotted onto the rack, representing the custom of leaving 'Bad Luck' (Kyo) fortunes behind.
  • Ema (Wooden Plaques): Write your specific wish (pass an exam, find love, health) on a wooden board and hang it up at the shrine.
Illustration of Ema (wooden wishing plaques) hanging on a rack at a Japanese shrine. These pentagonal boards display handwritten wishes for health, success, or love, left by visitors for the gods.
  • Goshuin (Stamp Books): Many travelers collect “Goshuin”—beautiful hand-written calligraphy stamps collected in a special book (Goshuin-cho). It makes for the ultimate souvenir.
A visitor holding a Goshuin-cho (stamp book) displaying a handwritten calligraphy and red stamp. In the background, a shrine attendant is writing in a book, showcasing the tradition of collecting Goshuin as a record of the visit.

Summary

Don’t worry too much if you make a mistake. The gods and Buddha are forgiving! The most important thing is to show respect.

  • See a Torii gate? -> Clap (2-2-1).
  • See a Buddha statue? -> Silent prayer.

Comments

Copied title and URL