Our first visits in Tokyo were to a Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist Temple. What’s the difference?
Japanese citizens have a complicated religious belief. It all starts with their ancient Shinto beliefs which are a reverence to Nature. Shinto shrines are all about having the best life while on Earth. One prays for good luck, wealth, health, avoiding catastrophes and even good test results. This Animist religion is often combined with Buddhism which is all about living a disciplined life in order to attain an enjoyable afterlife. This ancient religion traveled from India to China and eventually to Japan. Many Japanese believe in both religions and find them compatible with each other. Shrines don’t have priests, Temples do. The Shinto shrines always have Tori gates where Buddhist Temples have Arches protected by two Demons. So as one enters a holy place, its easy to differentiate between one and the other.
Tori Gate at Fushimi Mari, Kyoto There are over ten thousand gates forming a tunnel. A long waiting list exists for people wanting to donate the building of a gate. Gates last a couple of decades before they collapse.
Buddhist Temple Entrance Guarded by two Demons