How to Visit Japan’s Shrines and Temples During Your Stay – Discover the Religious Lustre of Japan

To fully grasp the importance of Japan’s shrines and temples, you first need to know the difference between the two. Shrines are often associated with Shinto, which is Japan’s native religion. On the other hand, temples are Buddhist sites. Shrines often feature a torii gate at the entrance – think of them as a doorway to sacred things that lie inside. Interiors of shrines typically include a main hall housing deities, along with features like purification fountains.

Temples also have various fascinating features. You’ll find grand gates, beautiful gardens, and pagodas.

In Japan, both shrines and temples are wooden structures and boast intricate designs that add to the accompanying peaceful atmosphere. These places are ideal to spend a quiet hour or two while taking pictures of the surrounding sights.

Also, near these beautiful sites, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options. It’s wise to find accommodations located close to tourist attractions. For instance, if you’re thinking of staying at hotels in Hokkaido, Japan, a popular choice would be Grand Park Otaru. Consider the amenities on offer and the location when selecting a hotel for your stay.

When you visit shrines and temples in Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When visiting shrines, bow slightly before passing through the Torri gates. When you arrive at purification fountains, remember to cleanse your mouth and hands. On your way to the main hall, you’ll pass up an offering box; remember to toss a coin.

Yes, remembering all these can be a bit challenging, but don’t worry; the locals won’t hold it against you if you don’t follow everything to a T. As long as you appear respectful, you’ll be fine.

A quick crash course in Shinto and Buddhism can make your visits more meaningful.

Shinto religion is based on worshipping Kami, meaning spirits. These spirits are believed to be connected to nature and ancestors. If you do some research into Japan’s history, you’ll notice that this practice of worshipping Kami is deeply rooted in Japan’s traditions.

Buddhism arrived in Japan around the 6th century. The primary goal of Buddhism is to reach enlightenment and become an all-knowing being through practices such as meditation, which involves holding your mind still.

These two religions have coexisted in Japan for centuries and are now beautifully intertwined. When you visit religious sites in Japan, you’ll notice that shrines feature elements of Buddhism, and temples take inspiration from shrines too.

Now that you know what it’s like to visit Japan’s shrines and temples, it’s time to discover some of the key sacred sites that you can explore while being based in a destination such as Otaru.

Sumiyoshi Shrine: Dating to the 19th century, the Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine was initially constructed for devotees to pray for peace in the village as well as the safety of ships since this was a port town. On your visit, you will come across features like stone stairways and torii gates as well as enchanting cherry blossoms in spring; if you head here in mid-July, you have the chance to witness the famous Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival as well.

Perched on a scenic hill, Suitengu Shrine offers delightful panoramas of the seaport. Some of the highlights here include three striking monuments, guardian dog statues and the Suitengu Festival held annually in June. As with the previous shrine, if you visit in spring, you can witness beautiful cherry blossoms too. 

Located near Otaru Park, Tenjoji Temple is well-known for being a popular site where you can enjoy all four seasons; lovely cherry blossoms in spring, idyllic tranquillity in summer, colourful fall foliage in autumn and snow-covered scenery in winter. Apart from the setting, you will also come across a distinctive temple gate and main hall along with various Buddha statues.