With so many temples and shrines, Japan is said to be a country steeped in spirituality and culture. The people in Japan are deeply engrossed in their religious roots. The country has its own distinct history and stunning architecture that make it a place with tranquil diversion from the busy modern world. For years, the entire globe is facinated about the way japanese have lived and evolved over the years. In our previous blogs, we have covered much of Japan’s culinary and beauty. Today, we are here to put forward a different picture to cherish!
The way japanese are said to be modern, they surprisingly are equally religious and spiritual. And this is well-evident in their temples and shrines that can be found in every part of the country. Through this travel guide, we shall seep through Japan’s rich cultural fabric, where spirituality and legacy are entwined.
Temples are often devoted to Buddhism and were brought to Japan from China and Korea, whereas shrines are associated with the native Shinto religion of Japan. They form a spiritual landscape that has amazed tourists for generations. So, let’s check out some of the shrines and temples that you can visit on your trip to Japan!
Kyoto
The very first city is Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is also known as the city of temples and shrines.
- The Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto is a UNESCO Heritage Site on a mountainside with sweeping views of Kyoto, is one of the most popular locations of tourist attraction. The temple is well-known for its expansive wooden platform that protrudes over the hillside and provides breathtaking views of the autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms.
- Next up is the Ginkaku-ji Temple. It is also known as the Silver Pavilion and is another noteworthy location that symbolizes Zen aesthetics with its tastefully designed grounds and straightforward, elegant architecture. Visitors find this place a treat to relax and enjoy the Zen concept of wabi-sabi, which focuses the beauty of imperfection.
- The nearby Ryoan-ji Temple is renowned for its simple rock garden, a masterwork of contemplation and meditation. This group of fifteen stones, encourages guests to reflect and find inner peace. With its exquisite pagoda and garden, Nishihonganji Temple adds an extra touch of beauty to Kyoto’s architectural and spiritual diversity.
Tokyo
Tokyo is known for its skyscrapers and fast-paced lifestyle, but it also has temples and shrines that offer tranquil havens amidst the city’s bustle. One of the oldest and most well-known temples in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple, is devoted to the Buddhist goddess Kannon and is crowded with people who come to worship and draw omikuji, or fortune-telling sheets. Stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs line the Nakamise-dori approach to Senso-ji, making the trip as memorable as the final destination.
Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are the subjects of the Shinto shrine known as Meiji Shrine, another famous location. The temple is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Tokyo, surrounded by a thick forest. Visitors can be a part of the traditional Shinto rituals, such as praying in the main hall or washing their hands at the mizuna (water pavilion).
Other Famous Shrines and Temples
There are many more spiritual sites in Japan than Kyoto and Tokyo. On Itsukushima (Miyajima) island, the Itsukushima Shrine is well-known for its “floating” torii gate, which seems to float above the water at high tide. Many people looking for spiritual connection and natural beauty visit this UNESCO Site.
Another UNESCO Heritage Site, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is a lavish shrine in Japan. It showcases exquisite art with its complex carvings and vivid colors. The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who brought Japan together in the early 17th century, is part of this temple complex, tucked away in the foothills of Tochigi Prefecture.
If you are someone who enjoys spiritualism and want to cherish Japan’s temples and shrines, you should observe traditional etiquette. You must be respectful towards the places ofworship. To experience the atmosphere rightly, it is customary to bow before entering a shrine as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Adopting these traditions deepens the experience and turns a straightforward trip into a spiritual quest. These historic sites encourage tourists to stop, think, and re-establish a connection with themselves, and they also provide breathtaking views and photo ops. So, when travelling in Japan, do include these places in your to-visit list!
