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On this trip to Osaka and Kyoto, Japan, I was able to listen to sincere friends studying in Japan sharing the distinction between Japanese shrines (Jinja) and temples (Teramachi). Although both are religious sites, shrines and temples each have their own unique architectural structures, sacrificial objects, and ways of worship. Therefore, today I would like to introduce you to:
- Separation of shrines and temples
- How to visit a shrine
- How to visit a temple
- Precautions
Separation of shrines and temples
The shrine was built for traditional Japanese Shinto, and its feature is that there is a torii gate (Torii) at the entrance, which marks the divine entrance. Although the pictures of famous torii gates are all red, most shrine torii gates are grey in stone! Shinto shrines are usually dedicated to gods of nature, history, and agriculture, such as Amaterasu Omikami, Sukioson, 8 Million Gods, and Yamato Himemei. Unlike temples, shrines do not have incense burners.
The temple was built for the tradition of Buddhism, and its characteristic is that there is a Sanmon (Sanmon) at the entrance. A temple gate is usually a grand gatehouse, seen as the entrance to the temple's realm through red dust. Inside the temple, you can often see the Zen Hall, pagodas, stone lions, etc., showing the deep depth of Buddhist art. Unlike shrines, there are no torii gates inside temples.
How to visit a shrine
Before entering the shrine, try to follow the following method of worship:
- Bow in front of the torii gate: The torii gate is a symbol of a shrine and represents a sacred boundary. To bow in front of a torii gate is to honor the gods.
- Avoid walking in the middle of the sandō (walking path): The middle of the shrine path is the path where the gods pass, and worshipers should walk on both sides.
- Hand wash in the hand shower: A hand water house is a place for visitors to the shrine to clean their hands and rinse their mouths. The correct steps for cleansing hands are: first scoop water with your right hand to wash your left hand, then scoop water with your left hand, rinse your mouth with your right hand, and finally put the spoon straight back in place.
- Invest in sesame oil: The money for sesame oil is a donation to the gods, and the amount is unlimited. If you carry a five-yen coin with you, you can put it in an oil tank as an offering. Since the Japanese pronunciation of “five yen” is similar to “”, it symbolizes good luck and goodwill.
- Ring the bell and pray: If there is a bell, visitors can ring it to pray sincerely.
- Prayer attitude: Take a deep bow twice, then clap your hands twice in front of your chest, pray together, and bow again.
- Bow and leave: After leaving the shrine, bow once in front of the torii gate.
How to visit a temple
Before entering the temple, try to follow the following method of worship:
- Bow in front of the mountain gate: The temple gate is the main gate of the temple. Visitors should bow in front of the gate and cross the gate cage below.
- Hand wash in the hand shower: A hand water house is a place for visitors to the shrine to clean their hands and rinse their mouths. The correct steps for cleansing hands are: first scoop water with your right hand to wash your left hand, then scoop water with your left hand, rinse your mouth with your right hand, and finally put the spoon straight back in place.
- Incense burning prayer: If there is an incense burner, visitors can light an incense stick to express their prayers. After the incense line has completely burned down, walk back into the main hall.
- Invest in sesame oil: A temple's perfume box is usually located in front of the main hall. If you carry a five-yen coin with you, you can put it in an oil tank as an offering. Since the Japanese pronunciation of “five yen” is similar to “”, it symbolizes good luck and goodwill.
- Ring the bell and pray: If there is a bell, visitors can gently ring the bell.
- Prayer attitude: Unlike the attitude of a shrine, visitors do not need to clap their hands directly to pray, showing respect and respect.
- Bow and leave: After praying, keep your hands together and bow deeply once more, and bow once more before leaving.
Precautions
Most shrines and temples do not allow direct photography of the statue (places to visit on weekdays). However, before purchasing an amulet, a bookmark, or a goshuin, you must first follow the steps above. If you want to understand the differences in goshuin between shrines and temples, please see[Japan] Goshuin | A seal that records the experience of visiting, differences between shrines and temples.
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Hello, everyone! I am Nicole, a Hong Konger living in the UK. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can give you some insights. All the articles and website design of this blog are done by me slowly. If you have any enquiries about studying, travelling, work, design, or business cooperation, feel free to contact me!
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