Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, Explained Simply
A simple guide to Japan's two great religions: what Shinto and Buddhism believe, how to tell a shrine from a temple, how to pray at each, and what charms, fortunes and stamps mean.
Quick answer
- Shinto: Japan's native faith, honouring kami, the spirits found in nature, places and ancestors.
- Buddhism: arrived from Korea and China in the 6th century and focuses on teachings, temples and the afterlife.
- Shrine or temple: a torii gate means a Shinto shrine. A large gate with guardians, a pagoda or incense means a Buddhist temple.
- How to pray at a shrine: bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once.
- At a temple: bow, pray quietly with your hands together, and do not clap.
Most Japanese people do not see themselves as very religious, yet they visit shrines for New Year, weddings and exams, and temples for funerals and remembering family. The two faiths have lived side by side for 1,500 years, and visitors are welcome at both.
Shinto: the way of the kami
Shinto has no founder and no single holy book. It honours kami, spirits that can live in mountains, waterfalls, trees, animals and great people. Shrines mark the places where kami are present, and festivals, called matsuri, celebrate them.
- There are around 80,000 shrines in Japan.
- The most important is Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
- Purity is central. Visitors rinse their hands and mouth before praying.
- Shrine priests are called kannushi, helped by shrine maidens in red and white, called miko.
Buddhism in Japan
Buddhism came to Japan in the 6th century, bringing writing, art and architecture from the mainland. Many schools grew up, including Zen, Pure Land and Shingon.
- There are around 75,000 Buddhist temples.
- Temples hold statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas, such as the giant bronze Great Buddha of Kamakura.
- Zen temples are known for their rock gardens, such as Ryoan-ji in Kyoto.
- Most funerals and memorial services in Japan are Buddhist.
How to tell a shrine from a temple
| Look for | Shinto shrine | Buddhist temple |
|---|---|---|
| Name ending | jinja, jingu, taisha or gu | ji, tera, dera or in |
| Entrance | a torii gate, often red | a large wooden gate, often with guardian statues |
| Inside | a mirror, rope and paper streamers | Buddha statues and incense |
| Guardians | pairs of lion-dogs or foxes | fierce Nio guardian figures |
| Clapping | yes, two claps | no |
| Pagodas | rarely | often |
How to visit a shrine
- Bow lightly before passing through the torii, and walk to the side of the path. The centre is for the kami.
- At the water basin, rinse your left hand, then your right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth. Do not drink from the ladle.
- At the main hall, drop a coin in the offering box. Five yen is considered lucky.
- Ring the bell if there is one.
- Bow twice, clap twice, put your hands together and make your prayer, then bow once more.
How to visit a temple
- Take off your shoes where asked, and remove hats inside halls.
- Purify your hands at the basin, as at a shrine.
- Light incense if you like, and waft the smoke towards you for good health.
- Put a coin in the offering box, bow, and pray quietly with your hands together. Do not clap.
- Check for photography bans inside halls.
Charms, fortunes and stamps
- Omamori: good luck charms for health, study, safe travel or love. Keep them for a year, then return them.
- Omikuji: paper fortunes. If yours is bad, tie it to the rack to leave the bad luck behind.
- Ema: wooden plaques where people write wishes and hang them up.
- Goshuin: beautiful ink stamps and calligraphy written in a special book, for a small donation of about 300 to 500 yen.
A shared history
For over a thousand years Shinto and Buddhism were closely mixed, with temples inside shrine grounds and kami seen as forms of the Buddha. In 1868 the Meiji government ordered them to be separated, but many places still show both, and most people happily visit both. As the saying goes, Japanese people are born Shinto and die Buddhist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a shrine and a temple?
Shrines are Shinto and honour kami spirits. Temples are Buddhist and hold statues of the Buddha. Torii gates mark shrines.
Can tourists pray at shrines and temples?
Yes. Visitors of any faith are welcome to pray, make offerings and buy charms.
How do you pray at a Japanese shrine?
Bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more.
Can you take photos at temples and shrines?
Usually outside, yes. Many halls ban photos inside, so look for signs.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, rules and services in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
