The Incredible Temples and Shrines of Japan

Japan is one of the world’s most magical destinations to explore, and part of that is down to the country’s rich and fascinating cultural heritage. Any trip to Japan is incomplete without visiting at least one sacred site, especially since you’re spoiled for choice with around 80,000 shrines and 75,000 temples to choose from.

If you’re curious to know which temple and shrine to see first, or what’s the difference between the two, then keep on reading. In this guidebook, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about Japan’s temples and shrines!

What’s the difference between a shrine and a temple?

While Japanese temples usually represent the Buddhist faith, shrines are Shinto places of worship in honour of the kami: sacred spirits which take the form of nature. Japanese shrines almost always feature one or more torii gates, as it’s a traditional passageway for the kami to move through. Torii gates can come in any colour, with red being the most popular colour as it represents joy and strength.

The name is another good clue. Temples often have a suffix like (-ji, -in or -tera); shrines are more likely to have (-gu or -miya). 

Regardless, travellers of all faiths are welcome to visit. Exploring a good mix of Japan’s temples and shrines is best to fully immerse yourself in the country’s cultural traditions!

What’s the difference between Shintoism and Buddhism?

Shintoism

• Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan with mysterious origins. This faith worships the kami, which are sacred spirits that take the form of nature.

• Shintoism has a glass-half-full approach, in that it believes humans are fundamentally good and evil is caused by negative spirits.

• Purification and prayer rituals are an important part of the Shinto faith.

Buddhism

• Buddhism is the world’s fourth-largest religion which originated in India. The faith is now widespread throughout most of Asia.

• Buddhists do not follow one single deity and their goal instead is reaching a state of Nirvana. Supporting them on their path are Bodhisattva: Buddhist deities who have achieved the highest level of enlightenment.

• Meditation, lighting incense and puja (ceremonies and offerings) are key to the practice of Buddhism.

Temples in Japan

Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo

Starting our list is Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s most ancient temple with 1400 years of history. Legend goes that it was built in 645 in honour of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy in Japanese Buddhism. This beautiful and vibrant temple is free to visit and illuminated every evening until midnight, making it one of Tokyo’s top cultural attractions. 

Even if you’re only in Japan for a few days, add Sensō-ji Temple to the top of your list!

Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto

Famed for its sweeping wooden terrace above the hilltops, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful views of Kyoto: the former capital famed for its stunning collection of Japanese temples and shrines. The surrounding blossom trees below during Sakura or Momijigari (spring or autumn) season are the cherry on top of an incredible vista.

When taking our Japan Express trip, you’ll be able to experience this incredible view for yourself and visit its sacred attractions like the Otowa-no-taki waterfall and the Jishu-jinja shrine for a long life full of love. Don’t forget to explore the mysterious, shadowy entrance called Tainai-meguri either…

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple, more commonly known as the Golden Pavilion, is easily Kyoto’s most famous temple. Between the luxurious gold-leaf architecture to its serene mirror pond, this visually striking Zen temple is an unmissable highlight while in Kyoto. 

You’d never know from just looking at it, yet the Golden Pavilion has actually been set on fire three times throughout its long history: twice during the Onin civil war, and once by a monk in 1950 in a “hatred of beauty”. Like a phoenix risen from the ashes, the Golden Pavilion now shines brighter than ever as a World Heritage Site and one of the top attractions in Japan!

Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara

Many centuries ago when Nara was the capital of Japan, there were the powerful Seven Great Temples. Most legendary of all is Tōdai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple. Inside its main hall is a gigantic 15-meters bronze statue of a seated Buddha - even just his open hand is as tall as the average person! 

While you’re strolling around the temple grounds and gardens, you may encounter a few deer that have wandered over from Nara Park next door! 

Hōkoku-ji Temple, Kamakura

Tucked into the hilltops inside an enchanting bamboo garden, Hōkoku-ji’s temple grounds are small yet magnificent. From the hydrangea and jasmine flowers to the towering bamboo stalks and gorgeous stone garden filled with statues, Hōkoku-ji Temple is so peaceful to explore. 

Hōkoku-ji Temple is more of a hidden gem than one of the more famous Japanese temples and shrines. Yet the secluded scenery and Zen ambience is so memorable that it’s a worthy contender for this list!

Shrines in Japan

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Meiji Shrine is a green oasis in the heart of Tokyo, where travellers can escape the modern city life and step back in time. From the gigantic Eternal Forest planted by volunteers to the awe-inspiring wooden architecture and daily ceremonies, Meiji Shrine is a scenic retreat. 

This incredible shrine honours the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and was built in 1920 to celebrate the part they played in making Japan the beautiful country that it is today.  It’s completely free to visit and is open all year round, so when you’re in Tokyo, you have to come along! 

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari is possibly the most iconic attraction among all of Japan’s temples and shrines, and the most important shrine dedicated to Inari: the Shinto god of rice. Despite being a cultural symbol for Kyoto, the Fushimi-Inari shrine actually pre-dates Kyoto becoming the ancient capital of Japan in 794! 

Here, travellers can wander through 10,000 bright orange torii gates weaving through a forested hill. You’re welcome to turn back at any point, with many people choosing to hike to the Yotsutsuji intersection halfway up the mountain for an impressive view over Kyoto. 

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Bay

Most of Japan’s shrines are on land, however Itsukushima Shrine is the exception. Off the coast of Hiroshima, you’ll find the unique floating torii gates on the tiny island of Miyajima. Itsukushima is, hands down, the prettiest shrine you’ll see in Japan - no matter how high the water is when you visit. If there’s a low tide, travellers have the unique opportunity to walk up close to the torii gates! 

On the 14-day version of our Journey Through Japan, travellers have the chance to explore the stunning Itsukushima Shrine and discover temples around the island!

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Fujiyoshida

You’ve undoubtedly seen pictures floating around online of a scarlet-red pagoda surrounded by trees with Mount Fuji in the distance. Well, the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is where you’ll find it! While most people come here to hike up the hills and take their own pictures of this famous photo spot, this location is full of surprises. 

From the ornate shrine surrounded by mini dragon fountains, to the walking trails throughout the forest, it’s an idyllic destination to unwind in and take a peaceful stroll through nature.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, Kamakura

While many of Japan’s temples and shrines either represent the Buddhist or Shinto faiths, the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is both! Legend has it that on the day, month and year of the snake, Kamakura’s first shogun (military leader) had a dream where he was led to this spring - and so he built Zeniarai in honour of Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess of snakes.

What Zeniarai is really famous for though, is that you can wash your money here! It’s believed that any coins cleansed inside the spring waters will miraculously double in wealth… Well, we can’t make any promises, but if you’re coming to Kamakura, then why not give it a go? 

Etiquette for visiting Japan’s Temples and Shrines

As long as travellers are polite and wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders, the etiquette for visiting Japanese temples and shrines is fairly relaxed, however we do have some guidance so that you know what to expect:

Etiquette for shrines

• Don’t walk through the shrine’s centre (this is the kami’s way of entrance), and bow before passing through;

• Travellers should ladle water from the basin over their hands before entering a shrine;

• Before praying, clap twice or ring the bell!

Etiquette for temples

• Visitors are encouraged to purify themselves before entering - usually by splashing their hands and mouth at a water basin, or gently wafting the smoke from an incense burner over themselves;

• Sometimes, you may need to take you shoes off before entering;

• Keep a few coins on hand for the offering box if you wish to make a small prayer!

Temple Stays in Japan

If there’s anything cooler than exploring Japan’s temples and shrines, it’s spending the night in one! Temple stays are an essential activity for any traveller looking to immerse themselves in the Buddhist culture. From meditation to a morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony, a temple stay adds an edge to Japan tours. 

On our Japan Intro trip, stay inside a 1000-year-old temple in the mountains of Koyasan and gain insight into the Buddhist monks’ way of life. It’s an unmissable highlight!

Why Visit Japan on a Gap Year?

Japan is an incredible choice for gap year travel, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced traveller seeking out their next adventure. Aside from being extremely safe, Japan is a fascinating melting pot of cultural traditions and modern city life. It’s arguably one of the best destinations to start out in if you’re new to Asia, especially if you’re planning a longer trip around the continent. And if you’re looking for more destinations with cool shrines and temples, why not check out Japan’s neighbouring countries like China and South Korea?

Now that you know all about Japan’s temples and shrines, the next logical step is to start planning your trip! So why not check out our Japan Group Trips for more inspiration and information about all the trips and tours that we run here?