Temples and shrines. Shrines and temples. Which one is which, and how do you know when to use either word? A newcomer to Japan may become confused by the presence of both temples and shrines in the nation, but it’s really not that hard to tell the difference between the two different places of worship. The biggest difference between Japanese shrines and temples is that shrines are Shinto, and temples are Buddhist.

Shinto Shrines

Shrines are where the kami, or Shinto gods, live. Unlike Buddhist temples, their entrance is marked by one or more torii gates, which are commonly made of wood that has been painted orange and black. A pair of guardian dogs or lions, called Komainu, often sit on each side of the entrance as well. Before entering the main hall, visitors rinse their hands and mouths with water from a purification fountain, located out front. Once inside, they can pay their respect to the kami through prayer. Inside the innermost chamber of the main hall lies a sacred object, which represents the kami, but visitors do not pray in its presence. Because the sacred object of worship cannot be seen by anyone, a separate hall, called the offering hall, is reserved for visitors to pray, make offerings, or to ask for good fortune.

Depending on what type of fortune the visitor is seeking, there are many different types of shrines in Japan that are dedicated to a specific kami. Tenjin shrines are popular among students studying for entrance exams, for they are dedicated to the kami of Sugawara Michizane, who was a scholar and politician during the Heian Period. There are also numerous Hachiman shrines, dedicated to the kami of war, Hachiman, and Inari shrines, dedicated to the kami of rice.

Shrines are also a popular destination during certain holidays, festivals, or other special times of the year such as New Year’s, weddings, and even the birth of new babies. Because death is considered impure in Shinto, funerals and cemeteries are not located at shrines, but they can easily be found at temples, for Buddhism has no problem dealing with death.

Buddhist Temples

Temples are a part of the Buddhist faith, which follows the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Initially, there were many complications between Shinto and Buddhism, but eventually, the two religions were able to exist together harmoniously. Many followers of Buddhism even view the Shinto kami as manifestations of Buddhas. Most Japanese follow both Buddhism and Shinto, regularly visiting both temples and shrines.

Like shrines, temple entrances are marked by gates, but they are nothing like the torii gates that clearly indicate the presence of a Shinto shrine. Temples also do not have a purification fountain, as shrines do, but they do, often, have a large incense burner located out front. Visitors purchase their own incense bundles, which they light and place in the burner. By waving their hand in front of the incense, the flame is extinguished, and a trail of smoke is created, which is said to have healing properties. For this reason, visitors fan the smoke towards themselves before entering the temple.

Inside the temple, a sacred object of worship is located inside the main hall. The most widely recognized temple structure, however, is probably the pagoda, which is usually three or five-stories tall and contains the remains of the Buddha, though usually in the form of a representation.

Temples are especially popular during Obon, an annual Buddhist event which commemorates one’s ancestors and is based on the belief that ancestral spirits will return to the living world for a week in order to visit their relatives.