Experience Japanese culture and history at shrines and temples

Basic etiquette for visiting temples and shrines

“One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fascinating places to spend some time. Like any place of worship, it's important to know the basics of etiquette so both you and the visitors around you have the best experience possible.”

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Visit to a Shinto Shrine, steps to follow and their explanations

“Here are a few advice if you wish to make a proper visit of a Shinto place, with the usual respect signs to show to the Gods that even Japanese people sometimes don't remember about. Shrine or temple ? To put it simply, if you see statues, you're likely to be in a Buddhism temple. If none but you can see great wooden gates at the entrance (Torii), it's a Shinto shrine.”

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Omikuji fortunes

“Omikuji are fortune papers from temples and shrines that offer advice for your health, career, and good luck in general. There are positive ones - marked kichi （吉） - and negative ones - marked kyo （凶）. The most positive one is the daikichi （大吉）, the big fortune. You can find omikuji at both temples and shrines.”

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Daruma dolls

“At the shrines, and in many shops, you’ll see these roly-poly dolls with blank eyes (if they are for sale) or one eye painted black (if they are on display and owned by the shop). These rotund dolls are known as Daruma (Dharma). They are typically red, but there are variations in the color and design depending on the region.”

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Jishu Shrine in Kyoto, shrine of matchmaking

“Jishu Shrine is located near (or I would say within) Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple. Dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, the love shrine is always crowded with many couples and especially young girls praying for luck in love. There are two love stones in front of the shrine, placed 18m apart. If you can find your way from one to the other with your eyes closed, your wish will be granted.”

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Imado Shrine, home of manekineko, lucky-in-love cats

“Imado Shrine is one of the main places for Japan's manekineko lucky cats. Here they come in pairs and bring you good luck in love. Although the shrine itself is small, it is home to a huge number of manekineko statues and fortune goods. Buy one of the round “ema” (votive tablets) and write your love wish.“

Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3883