| 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 |
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