Shrine or Temple? 🇯🇵⛩️🛕

When I talk to students about Japan, they often ask, “What’s the difference between a shrine and a temple?”🤔⛩️

It’s a good question! Because at first, they can look quite similar.

But in Japan, they’re actually very different, both in meaning and in atmosphere.🇯🇵✨

️ ⭐️⛩️Shrines, or jinja in Japanese, are part of Shinto, Japan’s old native religion.

You can feel bright and open—good for making wishes.🪄

️⭐️🛕 Temples, or otera, are Buddhist.

You can feel deep and quiet—good for thinking and resting .🧘

Let me talk about shrines first!

In shrines, you can easily spot them by the torii gates—those red or wooden gates standing at the entrance.🚪

Before praying, we usually wash our hands, throw a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, and then bow again.

People visit shrines to pray for good luck, safe travels, or help with exams and health.

In temples, instead of clapping, we bow quietly, light incense, and sometimes hear the soft sound of bells.

Many temples have large statues of Buddha and calm gardens where people sit and reflect.

The smell of incense always reminds me of temple visits from my childhood.👦

I grew up in several places, and one of them was Wakayama, where we have both beautiful shrines and temples.🏞️

One of the most famous shrines is Kumano Hayatama Taisha.

It’s part of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and surrounded by deep nature. 🌳

Walking through the grounds feels like stepping into history.

I still remember the tall trees and the silence that made everything feel sacred.

There’s also Kimiidera Temple, one of my favorite places.

It’s on a hill and has a big Kannon statue watching over the sea. 🌊

In spring, the cherry blossoms are amazing. 🌸

My family used to take me there when I was little. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

We’d climb the long stairs and enjoy the view together.

I didn’t really understand the difference between shrines and temples back then, but I could feel that each had its own special mood. ✨

Now, when I visit Wakayama, I like to stop by both.

Both are peaceful places where anyone is welcome, no matter your beliefs. 💛

If you come to Japan, or to Wakayama City, I recommend visiting both. 🗾

It’s a lovely way to experience Japanese culture—and maybe find a moment of peace in your journey! 😍

Sayuri