Shrine and Temple Etiquette in Japan for Foreigners (2025)
Japan has over 80,000 Shinto shrines and 75,000 Buddhist temples — sacred sites that are deeply woven into daily life. Many foreigners visit without knowing the etiquette. Here’s how to show appropriate respect at both types of site. Shrine vs Temple: Quick Identification Shinto Shrine (神社, Jinja) Buddhist Temple (寺, Tera/Ji) Gate Torii (鳥居) — distinctive arch gate Sanmon (山門) — large gate with statues Symbol Shimenawa (rope), fox statues, white paper Incense burner, Buddha statues, bell Purpose Worship of Shinto kami (deities) Buddhist practice, prayer Greeting word N/A (silent prayer) N/A (silent prayer) Many famous sites (like Nikko, Nara) combine both shrine and temple elements. ...