

Differences between “temple” and “shrine” | Temple (Tera) | Shrine (Jinja) |
Religion | Buddhism | Shintoism |
Name | Temple, Tera – ….JI | Shrine, Jinja – Taisha |
Philosophy | Awakening by following Buddha. Arrived from China in 538. | Worshipping the nature, worshipping the ancestors. Japan’s own religion. Many gods, many deities, the nature is a god, purity is important. Started with the emperor Gimmu in 600 BC. |
Pagoda | YES | NO |
Gate (To-ri, T shaped poles) | NO | YES |
Statues | Buddha | Animals (Fox, dog, cow, etc.) |
Common colors | Darker colors, brown, gold | Orange and white |
Temizuya (water and ladles) | NO | YES |
Priests | Monk (Bald, black clothes, round bamboo hat). Bouzu. | Kannushi (light color clothes, tall black hat) |
Common Ceremony | Funeral | Marriage |
Cemetery | YES | NO |
Incense Burner | YES | NO |
Bonsho (Huge bell) | YES | NO |
Zen garden | YES | NO |
Rice straws and papers | NO | YES |
Sake Barrels | NO | YES |
Ringing and clapping before praying | NO | YES |
Orange Color lanterns | NO | YES |
Protective demons at the gate (Raijin-fujin) | YES | NO |
Elevated Basements | MOSTLY NO | YES |
Swastika sign | YES | NO |
Page updated:
Contact us : info@mai-ko.com