---
title: "Temples and Shrines in Japan: Guide to Sacred Sites and Etiquette"
description: Discover Japan's 100,000 shrines & 80,000 temples—peaceful places of worship, culture & history found in every town, city & neighbourhood.
image: https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/hubfs/2-May-19-2025-07-44-52-2704-AM.png
---

![](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/hubfs/2-May-19-2025-07-44-52-2704-AM.png)

You can’t walk far in any Japanese neighbourhood without encountering a temple or shrine. These sacred sites are among the most peaceful places you’ll find and are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and Japanese culture.

With approximately **100,000 Shinto shrines** and **80,000 Buddhist temples** scattered across the country, Japan offers endless opportunities for spiritual exploration and cultural discovery. In **Kyoto alone**, there are over **5,570** such sites – a testament to their importance.

Read more: [This is the best time to visit Japan](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/blog/seasonal-japan-land-endless-discovery)

## What’s the Difference Between a Shrine and a Temple?

Most Japanese people practise **Shintoism**, **Buddhism**, or both. The two religions are often blended, so you’ll frequently find temples within shrines and vice versa. Whether you're in bustling Tokyo or a quiet rural town, these spiritual landmarks are everywhere.

Here’s how to tell them apart:

### **Buddhist Temples** (*tera* or *oji*)

- **Burn incense** in front of the temple as an offering.
- **Pagodas** are common – often multi-tiered with three entrances below.
- Temples typically feature **statues of the Buddha** as the central object of worship.
- Guardian statues called **‘Nio’** or **‘Kongōrikishi’** often flank the gate to ward off evil spirits.

📍*Example: Cleansing at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo*

 

### **Shinto Shrines** (*jinja*)

- Enter through a **torii gate**, symbolising the transition from the human world to the sacred.
- Guarded by a pair of **komainu** (lion-dog statues) or other protectors like **foxes** (e.g. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto).
- A **water fountain (chōzuya)** is provided for **purifying hands and mouth** before entering.
- Worship of **kami** (spirits or gods) found in nature – trees, rocks, mountains – often marked by sacred ropes (*shimenawa*) or **mirrors**.

📍*Example: Foxes guarding Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto*

## Proper Etiquette at Japanese Temples and Shrines

When visiting, it's important to follow local customs:

### At Shinto Shrines:

1. Purify your hands and mouth at the water basin.
2. Throw a coin into the offering box.
3. Ring the bell (if there is one).
4. Bow twice.
5. Clap twice.
6. Make a silent wish or prayer.
7. Finish with one final bow.

### At Buddhist Temples:

- Be respectful and quiet.
- There are no set rituals – simply pray silently or observe.

Read more: [These are the best things to do in Japan](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/blog/japan-top-must-do-experiences)

## Top Shrines and Temples to Visit in Japan

Here are some of Japan’s most iconic spiritual sites – a must-see for any visitor.

![1-May-19-2025-07-44-53-2922-AM](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1-May-19-2025-07-44-53-2922-AM.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=1-May-19-2025-07-44-53-2922-AM.png)

### Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Covered entirely in gold leaf, **Kinkaku-ji** reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Originally built in 1397, this Zen Buddhist temple is a top attraction in Kyoto.

### Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Known as the **Pure Water Temple**, Kiyomizu-dera is home to the Goddess of Mercy. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, it’s one of Kyoto’s **UNESCO World Heritage Sites**.

[*Experience it on Jewels of Japan*](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tours/jewels-of-japan.htm)

### Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Famous for its **thousands of vibrant red torii gates**, this Shinto shrine offers an unforgettable walk through a spiritual mountain path. From the top, enjoy stunning views over Kyoto.

[Experience it on Japan Uncovered](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tours/japan-uncovered.htm)

![Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Fushimi%20Inari%20Shrine%20Kyoto%20Japan.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Fushimi%20Inari%20Shrine%20Kyoto%20Japan.jpg)

### Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara

This temple houses the **world’s largest bronze Buddha statue**. Built in 752 AD, **Tōdai-ji** is also home to friendly deer that bow in exchange for crackers!

### Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima (Hiroshima)

Located on the island of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its **“floating” torii gate**, which appears to hover above the sea at high tide. It’s particularly breathtaking at sunset.

[Experience it on Japan by Rail](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tours/japan-by-rail.htm)

![4-May-16-2025-07-18-36-3872-AM](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/4-May-16-2025-07-18-36-3872-AM.png?width=1080&height=1350&name=4-May-16-2025-07-18-36-3872-AM.png)

### Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo

Tokyo’s oldest temple, **Sensō-ji** dates back to 645 AD. According to legend, two fishermen discovered a statue of the Goddess Kannon in the Sumida River, leading to the temple’s founding. Today, it’s one of the most visited temples in Japan.

[Experience it on Japan Uncovered](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tours/japan-uncovered.htm)

### Explore Japan's Temples and Shrines with Wendy Wu Tours

This is just a small taste of the countless shrines and temples waiting to be discovered across Japan. Whether you're exploring during [**cherry blossom season**](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/cherry-blossom-tours) or the vibrant [**autumn leaves**](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/autumn-leaves/), visiting these sacred sites is a deeply enriching experience.

Ready to explore? Book a **tour to Japan** with **Wendy Wu Tours** and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and spirituality of this fascinating country.

### [Explore Our Japan Tours](https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/)

Popular Reads for Your Japan Trip:

[6 Authentic Experiences You Can Only Have In Japan](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/6-authentic-experiences-you-can-have-in-japan)

[Essential Japan Travel Etiquette: 8 Tips and Customs To Know](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/essential-japan-travel-etiquette-xx-tips-and-customs)

[10 Beautiful Places to See Japan's Autumn Leaves](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/10-beautiful-places-to-see-japans-autumn-leaves)

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#### Meet Our Guest Contributor

Carrie Hutchinson is a writer and editor who’s worked on a variety of the world’s best-known mastheads. Now based outside of Melbourne, she...

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Daily life in Japan effortlessly combines ancient traditions with modern innovation, creating a culture that's truly one of a kind.

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[Read More](https://blog.wendywutours.com.au/travel-journal/6-authentic-experiences-you-can-have-in-japan)

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