It’s Quiz Time! Do You Know The Difference Between A Shrine And A Temple?

A planned visit to a temple or shrine is likely to be on everyone’s travel itinerary. And rightly so! They are hugely important and exotic-looking symbols of Japanese culture. Most travellers head to Kyoto to see famous temples and shrines, while some venture to nearby Nara to be awed by the Giant Buddha. But don’t forget, Osaka has its own share of temples and shrines too!

For example, did you know that Japan’s oldest officially administered temple is in Osaka? That would be Shitennoji Temple, built by Prince Shotoku in 593. Then there’s the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine honoring Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. We also have Imamiya-Ebisu Shrine, where people pray for business prosperity; Katsuoji Temple, which brings luck and success; and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine believed to protect seafaring vessels. And that’s just some of the major ones. There are enough shrines and temples in Osaka to fill a guide book!

Katsuoji Temple

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

But, you say, we still haven’t answered the question… What IS the difference between a shrine and a temple?
Simply put, temples are Buddhist institutions and are recognizable by images of Buddha and the presence of pagodas. Shrines, on the other hand, are for Shinto-the polytheistic folk religion native to Japan. You’ll often see the characteristic red torii gates when entering a shrine. Granted, it can be a little confusing when you see torii gates on the grounds of a temple, but this is because there was a period in history when shrines were commonly built adjacent to or on temple property.

Basic prayer rituals are different too!

Praying at a shrine:

1.Bow before entering the torii gate.
Purify your hands and mouth by washing them with water.
2.Proceed to the main hall.
Drop a donation into the offering box and ring the bell.
3.Bow 2 times. Then clap 2 times.
4.Finally, bow again.。

Praying at a temple:

1.Bow before entering the gate.
Purify your hands and mouth by washing them with water.
2.Place a donation in the offering box.
If there is a bell, ring it.
3.Place your hands together in prayer and bow.

Be it temple or shrine, it should be open to the public during specified hours and also hold ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. Some are very unique like Isshinji Temple, which contains statues made of human bone and features a place to pray off the ill effects of alcohol. Want to feel like you’ve stepped into an Indiana Jones movie set? Try Iwafune Shrine in Katano City. And if you’re in town for New Year’s ring in the new year with “Joya no kane” at a temple or go for the “Hatsumode” first visit to a shrine.

Nunose Shrine

Iwafune Shrine