{"id":59909,"date":"2025-01-16T18:26:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T10:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.likejapan.com\/en\/?p=59909"},"modified":"2025-03-07T11:32:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T03:32:17","slug":"what-is-a-shrine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.likejapan.com\/en\/travel\/what-is-a-shrine\/","title":{"rendered":"An Introduction to Shinto Shrines in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is very common for both local and foreign travellers to visit a shrine in Japan as a tourist spot. But do you know what actually a shrine is and what is the purpose of visiting it besides sight-seeing?<\/p>\n

What is a “Shrine”?<\/h2>\n

The Japanese shrines are Shinto shrine, which you may be also familiar with the Japanese name Jinja (\u795e\u793e). It literally means the place of the gods. Some people may be confused by “shrine” (\u795e\u793e) and “temple” (\u304a\u5bfa). There are some easy ways to distinguish between “shrine” and “temple” by looking at some of the unique characteristics of the shrine.<\/p>\n

1. Religion<\/h2>\n

Japanese shrines are Shinto shrines, while temple are Buddhist Temple.<\/p>\n

2. Structure<\/h2>\n

Before you enter the shrine, you can clearly see a “door” called “torii” (\u9ce5\u5c45) in front of it.<\/p>\n

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“torii” (\u9ce5\u5c45)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then you may see others washing their hands near the entrance. The place is called “chouzuya” or “temizuya” (\u624b\u6c34\u820e).<\/p>\n

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“chouzuya” or “temizuya” (\u624b\u6c34\u820e)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are usually some stone lanterns on both sides of the roads towards the main building.<\/p>\n

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You will see some small wooden boards called “ema” (\u7d75\u99ac) hanging up near the shrine. Visitors usually write their wishes on the “ema” to pray to the god.<\/p>\n

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“ema” (\u7d75\u99ac)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are statue pairs called “komainu” (\u72db\u72ac) guarding the shrine as well. They are often called lion-dogs in English. The appearance of “komainu” varies among different shrines. For example, you can see a pair of foxes statue guarding the Inari Shrine.<\/p>\n

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“komainu” (\u72db\u72ac)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Foxes in Inari Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The typical structure of shinto shrine in general is shown below.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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3. Types<\/h2>\n

There are approximately 80,000 shrines all over Japan. But this number counted only shrines with resident priests, the actual numbers could be much greater. The major shrines network you can find in Japan are Inari shrines (\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e), Hachiman shrines (\u516b\u5e61\u795e\u793e), Jingu (\u795e\u5bae) and Tenmangu (\u5929\u6e80\u5bae). They all have different meanings.<\/p>\n

Inari shrines: Safe and smooth<\/p>\n

Hachiman shrines: Good academic results and improvements<\/p>\n

Jingu: Successful delivery (of baby),\u00a0elimination of bad luck, victory and safe and long life<\/p>\n

Tenmangu:\u00a0Prosperity and fruitful harvest<\/p>\n

4. Miko (\u5deb\u5973)<\/h2>\n

“Miko” (\u5deb\u5973) is the unique shrine maidens or supplementary priestess in Shinto shrines. They wear traditional white and red clothing called “hakama” (\u88b4) while working in shrines. They are trained to perform different tasks and dance in the ceremonies.<\/p>\n

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— \u71b1\u7530\u795e\u5bae\uff08\u516c\u5f0f\uff09\uff0fAtsutaJingu (@atsuta_jingu) June 18, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n