Shrines & Temples in Kyoto: Understanding the Differences

When I lived in Kyoto, I visited numerous shrines and temples. From that experience, I'd like to explain the differences between shrines and temples in a way that's easy for foreigners to understand.

As you walk through the streets of Kyoto, you'll see vibrant vermilion torii gates catching your eye. These mark the entrances to shrines. On the other hand, temples are characterized by impressive gates called sanmon at their entrances. The ways of worship also differ slightly.

Shrines have been closely tied to people's lives since ancient times. They become bustling spots for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) during New Year's.

In contrast, temples are places for practicing and spreading Buddhist teachings. You can quietly experience Buddhist teachings through activities like zazen meditation and sutra copying.

The architectural styles also have distinct characteristics. While shrines often have a simple appearance that harmonizes with nature, temples stand out with their magnificent buildings adorned with Chinese-style decorations.

Given Kyoto's nature, the number of temples is overwhelming. It's quite a challenge just to conquer famous ones like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera. However, there are also many historic shrines scattered throughout the city, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Shimogamo Shrine.

When I first started living in Kyoto, I didn't know the difference between temples and shrines. However, as I felt the atmosphere of each firsthand and learned about their differences, I was able to enjoy the charms of the ancient capital even more.

I hope this article serves as useful preliminary information for your Kyoto sightseeing. Please enjoy your Kyoto tour to the fullest, keeping in mind the characteristics and highlights of both shrines and temples!

Table of Contents
・Basic Differences Between Shrines and Temples
・Differences in Ways of Worship
・Historical Background of Shrines and Temples
・Representative Shrines and Temples in Kyoto
・Differences in Architectural Styles of Shrines and Temples
・Frequently Asked Questions About Shrines and Temples

Basic Differences Between Shrines and Temples

Shrines and temples. These two religious structures that represent Japan may seem similar at first glance, but they are actually quite different entities. When I first started living in Kyoto, I didn't fully understand their differences.

However, I gradually began to see the unique characteristics of each. Here, I'll explain the basic differences between shrines and temples.

Differences Are Not Always Clear

In fact, the differences between shrines and temples are not always clearly distinguishable. This is because until the Meiji era over 100 years ago, shrines and temples were not strictly differentiated.

Therefore, you may encounter buildings that mix the characteristics of both shrines and temples described in this article. When walking around Kyoto, you might come across shrines with strong Buddhist elements or temples with Shinto elements. I feel that such exceptional existences are also part of Kyoto's charm.

Characteristics of Shrines

The main characteristic of a shrine is that it's a sacred place in Shinto where deities are enshrined. At the entrance, there's a gate called a "torii" which you pass through to worship.

Torii gates are often red, indicating the entrance to a sacred space. When worshipping, you first purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya (water basin), then throw in some coins as offering. Then, you worship in the order of two bows, two claps, and one bow.

Another characteristic of shrines is that they are often built in places where nature, such as mountains, was originally the object of worship, or where rituals were performed. Also, the statues of the enshrined deities are often not visible.

For Japanese people, it's customary to visit a shrine for "hatsumode" at the beginning of the year, although some people visit temples instead. Shrines have been closely intertwined with Japanese life.

Characteristics of Temples

On the other hand, temples were built as places for Buddhist practice, and Buddha statues are enshrined there. Unlike shrines, the Buddha statues are usually visible to worshippers. The entrance to a temple is called "sanmon" and has an impressive gate structure.

The way of worship is to put your hands together, bow, and pray. Also, offering incense and listening to sutra chanting are unique characteristics of temples. Temples are deeply related to beliefs in enlightenment and the afterlife.

The charm of temples that I feel is their solemn atmosphere. While Kyoto is bustling with tourists on weekends, when you step into a temple, it's as if time flows quietly in a different world. I think temples are the perfect places to calm your mind and spend time facing yourself.

Differences in Ways of Worship

Here, I'd like to introduce the basic ways of worship that I think foreign tourists should know. 

There are unique ways of worship for both shrines and temples, but these are not absolute "rules." The most important thing is to have a mindset that respects each culture.

How to Worship at Shrines

Shrines often don't require an admission fee as they also serve a role as community centers. Instead, there's an offering box to express gratitude to the gods. The steps for worship are as follows:

1. Bow once before passing through the torii gate.
2. Purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya.
3. Throw some coins into the offering box.
4. Perform two bows, two claps, and one bow (bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, and bow once more).
5. Make a wish.

How to Worship at Temples

At temples, the worship procedure isn't much different from shrines, but offering incense and listening to or chanting sutras are more common. Also, the offering box may not be prominently displayed.

In the case of temples, many require an admission fee. It's said that this is because paying money has been considered as part of the practice. The steps for worship are as follows:

1. Bow once at the sanmon gate.  
2. Purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya.
3. Put your hands together and bow.
4. Put some coins in the offering box.
5. Offer incense (light an incense stick and place it in the incense burner).
6. Listen to the monks chanting sutras such as the Heart Sutra.
7. Make a wish.

Historical Background of Shrines and Temples

There are numerous shrines and temples in Kyoto. Each has a long history and interesting stories from different eras. By learning about the differences between shrines and temples while touching on Japanese history, I believe you can enjoy Kyoto more deeply.

Here, I'll briefly explain the historical background of shrines and temples.

History of Shrines

Shrines have developed as places to enshrine nature gods and ancestral gods since ancient times. Many shrines also enshrine gods of agriculture and commerce. During the Heian period, they became connected to imperial rituals and became objects of national faith.

In the Meiji era, shrines became independent from temples due to the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism Edict. During this period, many shrines were placed under state control.

For Japanese people, shrines are the center of local communities and places where events like festivals are held. There's also a custom of visiting shrines at important life events. Even in modern times, shrines remain deeply rooted in Japanese life.

History of Temples

On the other hand, temples began to play a role in protecting the state after Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century. During the Nara and Heian periods, many temples were built and flourished.

From the Kamakura period onwards, new sects such as Zen and Pure Land Buddhism emerged and became widely believed among common people. There are also many temples in Kyoto, like Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, that prospered under the patronage of powerful figures.

Although temples became independent from shrines due to the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism Edict in the Meiji era, many Japanese people still believe in them today. The custom of visiting temples for life events like funerals and memorial services also remains strong.

When I lived in Kyoto, I often went on shrine and temple tours with friends. The time spent quietly facing myself, away from the bustle of modern life, in places where I could feel the weight of history, was a very valuable experience.

Representative Shrine and Temple in Kyoto

There are many historic shrines and temples in Kyoto. Here, I'll introduce some of the most famous ones that are particularly popular among foreign tourists. I hope you'll visit them.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine where the entire Mount Inari is considered sacred. The sight of over 10,000 vermilion torii gates standing in a row is breathtaking. Inari Shrine is characterized by its worship of foxes as messengers of the gods. It's also known as a deity for prosperous business and good harvests.

The sight of worshippers climbing the mountain path and passing through the torii gates is like a mysterious experience of straying into another world. The view from near the summit is also wonderful. When I lived in Kyoto, I often visited early in the morning to enjoy the quiet Mount Inari when there weren't many people around.

Access
・Right next to JR Inari Station on the Nara Line
・About 5 minutes walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Line

Website: https://inari.jp/en/

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a temple famous for its "Kiyomizu Stage." The main hall is designated as a national treasure, and its beauty is breathtaking. The Otowa Waterfall in the temple grounds is said to have benefits for rejuvenation and academic success, and many worshippers come to draw its water.

Around Kiyomizu-dera, there are many tea houses and souvenir shops where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, attracting many tourists.

I also recommend visiting Kiyomizu-dera at night when it's illuminated in autumn. You can experience a different, fantastical atmosphere from daytime.

Access
・About 25 minutes walk through the approach from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line

Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Differences in Architectural Styles of Shrines and Temples

For those who have visited Fushimi Inari Shrine or Kiyomizu-dera that I introduced earlier, did you feel the difference in their atmospheres? Actually, it's the difference in architectural styles that creates these atmospheres.

Shrine Architecture

Shrine architecture is characterized by its simple design that emphasizes harmony with nature. The appearance that seems to blend into the surrounding landscape feels like it reflects the ancient thought of nature worship.

The symbol of a shrine is its bright red torii gate. Passing through this torii gate makes you feel like you've entered a sacred space from the everyday world.

The beauty of shrine architecture lies in its details. The curvature of the roof, the placement of pillars - these are the crystallization of craftsmen's wisdom and techniques over many years. I still vividly remember the beauty of the vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha that I encountered in Kyoto.

Temple Architecture

On the other hand, temple architecture is characterized by its Chinese-style. The landscape of a temple with its magnificent buildings like the sanmon gate, golden hall, lecture hall, and five-story pagoda makes you feel as if you've wandered into a foreign land.

Another characteristic of temple buildings is that they often have lavish sculptures and decorations. Patterns with religious meanings and symbols of good fortune are carved into various parts of the buildings by craftsmen.

By appreciating the architectural styles of both shrines and temples, you can feel the depth of Japanese culture. Please try to look at the details of the architecture and enjoy their differences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrines and Temples

Finally, I'll answer some frequently asked questions about shrines and temples.

How Much Should I Put in as an Offering?

There's no set amount for offerings, but a 5-yen coin is considered lucky as it means "good connection" in Japanese. Most people put 1-3 coins in the offering box.

By the way, when I was a student, I never failed to put a 5-yen coin in the offering box every week, wishing for success in love. Thanks to that, I got a wonderful partner, so don't underestimate the power of the 5-yen coin!

Is There a Difference Between Buying an Amulet at a Shrine and Buying One at a Temple?

Shrine amulets are said to receive the protection of the gods, while temple amulets are said to gain the merits of the Buddha. However, they are the same in the sense that both are meant to protect you.

Now that you understand the differences between shrines and temples from this article, I encourage you to visit them.

If you take your time to tour the shrines and temples of Kyoto, feeling their differences as you stroll, it's sure to be a special experience. Please enjoy the beauty of Kyoto's four seasons and the charm created by its shrines and temples to the fullest!