Japan’s Shrines & Temples

How to Tell Which is Which

Can you identify the differences between a shrine and a temple? With few exceptions, virtually all visitors to Japan include a visit to one or the other on their itineraries. After all, the traditional architecture is timelessly picturesque and appeals to individuals from all walks of life. As awe inspiring as these structures may be though, it can be difficult to discern whether it’s a shrine or a temple. To help remedy this situation, I’ve put together the following short guide.

In the following sections, I’ll unveil some of the commonalities and differences between shrines and temples. Additionally, I’ll also provide some key pointers for when to visit each and what to expect. While not necessarily as in-depth as some of my lengthier area guides, this is by no means a quick skim. Grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let’s dive on into this primer on two of Japan’s most iconic structural designs!

Religious Differences

Simply put, the most clearly defining disparity between shrines and temples is that the former are Shinto and the latter are Buddhist. For those not in the known, Shinto is an…