Before the Visit
Buddhism vs. Shinto
Shinto (神道) and Buddhism (仏教) are the two main religious traditions in Japan. Shinto, Japan’s indigenous belief system, is deeply connected to nature and ancestor worship, with kami (gods or spirits) residing in natural elements like mountains, rivers, and trees. In contrast, Buddhism, which originated in India and arrived in Japan via China and Korea, focuses on spiritual enlightenment, the cycle of rebirth, and achieving nirvana. While their beliefs and practices differ, they have coexisted harmoniously for centuries, blending into daily life—many people celebrate Shinto rituals for life events and turn to Buddhism for funeral rites, creating a unique religious balance in Japan.
| Shinto (神道) | Buddhism (仏教) |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Japanese belief | Imported from India via China/Korea |
| Worship of kami (nature spirits) | Worship of Buddha & enlightenment |
| Shrines (神社) with torii gates | Temples (寺) with pagodas & Buddha statues |
| Focus on life, purification, and festivals | Focus on afterlife, reincarnation, and funerals |
| Priests (神主) | Monks (和尚) |
Key Differences Between Shrines and Temples
Shinto shrines (神社, jinja) and Buddhist temples (寺, tera) in Japan have distinct features that reflect their religious traditions. Knowing these differences can help visitors identify whether they are at a shrine or a temple and understand the cultural significance of each.
| Element | Shrine (神社, Jinja – Shinto) | Temple (寺, Tera – Buddhism) |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Gate | Torii (鳥居) – A sacred gate marking the boundary between the human and divine worlds. | Sanmon (山門) – A large temple gate symbolizing enlightenment and the transition to sacred space. |
| Surroundings | Often located in sacred forests (鎮守の森, chinju no mori), reflecting Shinto’s deep connection to nature. | Usually set in mountains or gardens, emphasizing peace and meditation. |
| Main Structure | Honden (本殿) – The main sanctuary where the kami (Shinto gods) are enshrined. Visitors cannot enter, only pray outside. | Hondo (本堂) or Butsuden (仏殿) – The main hall housing Buddhist statues, which visitors can often enter. |
| Worship Objects | Sacred mirrors, ropes (shimenawa, 注連縄), and natural elements like stones or trees. | Buddha statues, incense burners, prayer wheels, and sometimes relics. |
| Prayer Style | Bowing, clapping hands, and ringing bells to call the kami. | Silent prayer, chanting sutras, and lighting incense. |
| Purification | Temizuya (手水舎) – A water basin where visitors purify hands and mouth before entering. | No purification ritual, but incense is often burned for cleansing. |
| Graveyards | Shrines do not have cemeteries, as Shinto avoids death-related rituals. | Temples have graveyards and conduct funeral rites and memorial services. |
| Festivals & Events | Host Shinto festivals (matsuri, 祭り) to honor the kami and celebrate seasonal events. | Hold Buddhist ceremonies and memorial services focused on enlightenment and remembrance. |
Major Types of Shrines in Japan
Japan has many types of Shinto shrines (神社, jinja), each dedicated to different deities (kami, 神) and serving various purposes. The diversity of shrines exists because Shinto is an ancient, nature-based belief system that developed locally across different regions of Japan. Over time, different shrines were built to honor specific gods, natural elements, historical figures, and protective spirits, reflecting the needs and values of communities. Some shrines are associated with agriculture, prosperity, learning, or war, while others serve as spiritual centers for purification and protection. This variety allows people to seek blessings for different aspects of life, from safe travel to success in business and academic achievements.Here are the major types:
1. Imperial Shrines (勅祭社・ちょくさいしゃ)
- These are the most important shrines, receiving direct patronage from the Imperial Family.
- They enshrine Amaterasu Ōmikami (天照大神) or other deities related to the Imperial lineage.
- Example: Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮, Mie Prefecture) – the most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu.
2. Hachiman Shrines (八幡宮・はちまんぐう)
- Dedicated to Hachiman (八幡神), the god of war and protector of the samurai.
- Popular among samurai families in history, now worshipped for success and protection.
- Example: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮, Kanagawa) – a famous samurai-related shrine.
3. Inari Shrines (稲荷神社・いなりじんじゃ)
- Dedicated to Inari (稲荷神), the deity of rice, agriculture, prosperity, and business.
- Recognizable by their red torii gates and fox (kitsune) statues, messengers of Inari.
- Example: Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社, Kyoto) – famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
4. Tenmangu Shrines (天満宮・てんまんぐう)
- Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), the god of learning and scholarship.
- Popular among students praying for success in exams.
- Example: Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮, Kyoto) – a major shrine for academic success.
5. Gion Shrines (祇園神社・ぎおんじんじゃ)
- Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto (素戔嗚尊), a god of storms and protection against epidemics.
- The name comes from Gion-shoja (祇園精舎), an ancient Buddhist monastery in India.
- Example: Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Kyoto) – famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri (祇園祭).
6. Sengen Shrines (浅間神社・せんげんじんじゃ)
- Example: Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha (富士山本宮浅間大社, Shizuoka) – a main shrine of this type.
- Dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime (木花咲耶姫命), the goddess of Mt. Fuji and fire safety.
- Found in areas near Mt. Fuji and other volcanoes.
A day at Ise Jingu
Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine (内宮) and Outer Shrine (外宮) – Differences & Experience
Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) is unique in that it consists of two main shrines:
- Geku (外宮) – Outer Shrine: Dedicated to Toyouke Omikami (豊受大神), the goddess of agriculture, food, and industry.
- Naiku (内宮) – Inner Shrine: Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami (天照大神), the sun goddess and the most revered deity in Shinto.
The Order of Visiting – Start from Geku (Outer Shrine)
Traditionally, visitors first visit Geku (Outer Shrine) to express gratitude for life’s essential sustenance, provided by Toyouke Omikami, before proceeding to Naiku (Inner Shrine), where they connect with the celestial energy of Amaterasu. The belief is that before seeking higher spiritual enlightenment, one must first appreciate the basic necessities of life. This reflects a fundamental Shinto principle: acknowledging the blessings of daily life before seeking divine guidance.
Geku (Outer Shrine) – A Place of Gratitude and Preparation
- Atmosphere:
- Geku is often quieter and has fewer visitors compared to Naiku.
- The surroundings feel grounded and humble, reflecting its role in providing food and resources.
- Experience:
- Walking through the serene paths lined with cedar trees, you feel a sense of calm and appreciation for nature’s blessings.
- The honden (main sanctuary), made of unpainted cypress, embodies purity and simplicity.
- Many visitors stop at Takanomiya (多賀宮), a smaller shrine within Geku, which is believed to be a powerful place for prayer.
The Spiritual Experience of Visiting the Inner Shrine (Naiku) – The Heart of Shinto
Visiting Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) is more than just a trip—it’s a sacred pilgrimage that has been undertaken by Japanese people for centuries. From the moment you arrive, you begin to feel a shift in atmosphere, as if stepping into another world filled with tranquility, nature, and divine presence.
1. Crossing the Uji Bridge – Transitioning into the Sacred
Your journey starts by crossing the Uji Bridge (宇治橋), which spans the Isuzu River (五十鈴川). This is not just a physical crossing, but a symbolic one—it represents leaving behind the ordinary world and entering the realm of the gods. The bridge, made of unpainted cypress wood, is rebuilt every 20 years, just like the shrine itself, following the Shikinen Sengu tradition. As you walk across, you can feel the history and reverence embedded in the wood beneath your feet.
2. Purification at the Isuzu River – Cleansing the Body and Mind
Before proceeding to the shrine, visitors often stop at the Isuzu River for purification. Unlike many other shrines that have a small temizuya (hand-washing station), Ise Jingu allows visitors to cleanse themselves directly in the river, a practice that connects worshippers with nature. Rinsing your hands and mouth in the clear, gently flowing water is believed to purify both the body and spirit before approaching the sacred grounds.
3. Walking Through the Sacred Forest – A Journey of Reflection
As you continue, you enter a vast forest of towering ancient cedar trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The wide pebbled paths and absence of modern distractions create a deep sense of calm. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the occasional sound of birds or wind rustling through the trees enhance the mystical atmosphere. This walk itself is a form of meditation, encouraging quiet reflection.
4. Reaching the Inner Shrine (Naiku) – The Heart of Shinto
At the end of the path lies the Kotaijingu (皇大神宮, Naiku), dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami (天照大神), the sun goddess and the most revered deity in Shinto. The architecture is strikingly simple—unpainted cypress wood, a thatched roof, and a timeless design that has remained unchanged for over a millennium. Unlike other shrines, visitors cannot see the honden (main sanctuary), as it is hidden behind wooden fences, reinforcing the mystery and sacredness of the place.
Here, you bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more, offering your prayers in silence. There are no grand statues or lavish decorations—only the overwhelming sense of divinity and connection to Japan’s ancient traditions.
5. The Atmosphere and the Afterglow
As you leave, the experience stays with you. Many visitors describe a lingering sense of peace and renewal, as if they have reconnected with something greater than themselves. The lack of commercialism and the deep-rooted traditions make Ise Jingu unique—it remains a purely spiritual place, untouched by time.
Visiting Ise Jingu is not just about seeing a historical site; it is about feeling the sacred energy, embracing tradition, and experiencing the heart of Shinto spirituality. From crossing the Uji Bridge to walking through the ancient forest and offering prayers at the shrine, the entire journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience—one that has been followed by emperors, pilgrims, and everyday worshippers for over 1,300 years.
How to wash your hands and mouth at shrines
How to Pray at Shrines
Our Accomodation
Comfort Hotel Ise (1 night)
Ise Food
Ise, located in Mie Prefecture, is known for its rich culinary heritage, especially its connection to fresh seafood from the surrounding seas. Here are some of the food specialties of Ise:
1. Ise Udon (伊勢うどん)
A famous local dish, Ise Udon features thick, chewy noodles served in a dark soy-based broth. Unlike regular udon, the noodles are softer, and the sauce is usually thicker and more savory. It’s often topped with green onions, tempura, or kamaboko (fish cakes).
2. Ise Ebi (伊勢海老)
Ise Ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster, is one of the region’s most prized ingredients. Known for its sweet and tender meat, it can be served grilled, boiled, or as part of sushi. Many high-end restaurants in Ise offer this delicacy, especially for special occasions.
3. Akafuku Mochi (赤福餅)
A famous Ise sweet, Akafuku Mochi consists of sweet red bean paste wrapped in a soft, chewy rice cake. It’s often enjoyed with green tea and is a beloved snack for pilgrims visiting Ise Jingu. These mochi are sold at the Akafuku stores near the shrine.
4. Tekonezushi (手こね寿司)
A traditional Ise sushi made by mixing vinegar-seasoned rice with fresh seafood, typically tuna, and then serving it as hand-formed sushi. It’s a specialty that originated in Ise, reflecting the region’s maritime culture and fresh fish.
5. Ise’s Sake (伊勢酒)
The region is also known for its sake production, particularly in areas surrounding Ise Jingu. The pure, clean water from the Isuzu River is one of the key elements contributing to the high-quality sake produced here. Many local breweries offer their sake as a perfect pairing with the region’s fresh seafood and dishes.