Buddhist temples in Japan

What is a Japanese Temple?

Japanese temples are Buddhist places of worship where people come to pay respects, offer prayers, and seek spiritual guidance. Buddhist temples in Japan vary from grand complexes like Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera or Todaiji in Nara, to smaller, local temples that often serve as community gathering places. Japanese temples house sacred objects and statues, such as the Buddha and bodhisattvas, and often include additional elements:

・Sanmon Gate:
The main entrance gate of a temple, marking the start of the sacred area.
・Main Hall (Hondo):
The primary structure where the main Buddha statue or temple’s deity is enshrined.
・Pagoda:
Multi-tiered towers symbolizing the presence of Buddha and containing relics or sacred items.
・Bell Tower (Shoro):
Houses a large bell (bonsho) that’s often rung on special occasions.
・Cemetery or Mausoleum:
Many temples have cemeteries where people honor ancestors and the deceased.

How to Perform a Temple Visit

A temple visit follows a series of respectful practices that show reverence to the Buddha and Buddhist teachings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a traditional temple visit:

Step 1: Enter through the Sanmon Gate
Upon arrival at the temple, visitors first pass through the sanmon (main gate). As with shrines, bowing slightly before entering the gate is a sign of respect, acknowledging the transition from the ordinary world into a sacred space. Avoid walking directly down the center of the path, as this area is reserved for the temple’s deities and the monks.

Step 2: Purify Hands and Mouth (if available)
While purification is more commonly practiced at Shinto shrines, some temples also have water basins or purification fountains for visitors to cleanse themselves. This ritual is similar to that of a shrine and involves rinsing hands and mouth as a symbolic act of purification before entering the main hall.

Step 3: Approach the Main Hall
Upon entering the main grounds, approach the temple’s main hall (hondo), where the primary object of worship is enshrined. When approaching the hondo, remember to maintain quietness and respectful behavior, as the space is sacred. Before entering, remove any headwear and avoid taking photos inside unless explicitly permitted.

Step 4: Offering and Prayer Ritual
Most temples have an offering box (often called saisen bako) at the entrance of the main hall, where you can make a monetary offering. It’s customary to place a small coin, such as a 5-yen coin, in the box as a gesture of respect.
(1) Make an Offering:Toss a small coin gently into the offering box.
(2) Bow and Join Hands: Place your hands together in a prayer position, then bow slightly, focusing your thoughts on gratitude, prayer, or reflection.
(3) Silent Prayer: Buddhist prayer is usually performed silently, focusing on a personal intention or sending positive thoughts for health, happiness, or well-being.

Some temples also encourage visitors to light incense before praying. In this case, take a stick of incense, light it, and place it in the incense burner near the main hall. Waft the incense smoke over yourself as a way of purifying your mind and spirit.

Step 5: Ringing the Bell (Optional)
If the temple has a large bell (bonsho) and allows it, you may ring the bell before offering prayers. The act of ringing the temple bell is believed to dispel evil spirits and help focus the mind for prayer. Gently strike the bell with the wooden beam or striker once, then proceed with your prayers.

Step 6: Explore with Respect
Once you’ve completed your prayers, you may quietly explore the temple grounds, appreciating the architecture, garden, and peaceful surroundings. Temples often have scenic gardens designed for contemplation and relaxation, with benches or pathways where visitors can enjoy the landscape.

Step 7: Exit with a Bow
After exploring the grounds, exit through the sanmon gate. It is customary to turn back toward the main hall or gate and bow lightly before departing, showing gratitude to the temple and its deities.

Temple Etiquette and Manners

Observing proper etiquette when visiting a temple ensures that you show respect for the Buddhist practices and other visitors seeking a peaceful experience. Here are key manners to remember when visiting a Japanese temple:

・Dress Respectfully
Temples are places of worship, so modest attire is ideal. While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to avoid overly revealing or casual clothing, such as tank tops, short shorts, or beachwear.
・Maintain Silence and Calmness
Temples are spaces for quiet reflection and prayer. Keep voices low, avoid shouting or laughing loudly, and be mindful of other visitors who may be in meditation or prayer. Walking calmly and quietly is also appreciated, especially in the main hall and around sacred areas.
・Follow Photography Rules
While some temples allow photography in outdoor areas, photography is often restricted inside the main hall or where sacred artifacts are enshrined. Always look for signs or ask temple staff if unsure. Avoid using flash or taking photos of monks during rituals or prayers without permission.
・Respect Personal Spaces and Sacred Areas
Refrain from touching sacred statues, Buddhist objects, or decorations in the main hall unless otherwise instructed. Avoid sitting on steps or altars, as these are reserved for monks or rituals. Additionally, avoid turning your back directly on the main statue in the hall as a gesture of respect.
・Incense and Candle Etiquette
If the temple has an incense burner, remember to light the incense respectfully, placing it in the burner carefully. Waft the smoke over yourself without blowing it, as this is considered improper. Many temples also offer candles for lighting in front of the altar; light a candle and place it on the designated holder, focusing on gratitude or prayer.
・Be Mindful at the Cemetery
Many temples have cemeteries where families come to pay respects to ancestors. Walking through a cemetery is fine, but avoid talking loudly, disturbing offerings, or stepping on grave markers, as these are deeply personal spaces for remembrance.

Additional Temple Offerings and Customs

Many temples also have additional practices that visitors can partake in, allowing for a deeper connection with Buddhist traditions.

➕ Omamori and Amulets:
Many temples offer protective amulets known as omamori for purchase. Each amulet has a unique blessing, such as protection for travel, health, or success. Purchasing an omamori helps support the temple and allows visitors to carry a piece of the temple’s blessing with them.
➕ Kannon Statues and Buddha Images:
Many temples enshrine statues of Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, or various forms of Buddha. Devotees may offer prayers specifically to these figures, asking for compassion, guidance, or wisdom.
➕ Zen Gardens and Meditation:
Some temples have beautifully maintained Zen gardens, which represent natural elements like mountains, rivers, and islands using sand and rocks. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate these gardens or even participate in Zen meditation sessions if available, as a way to calm the mind and find inner peace.
➕ Fortunes (Omikuji):
Like at shrines, many temples offer omikuji, or fortunes written on small slips of paper. Visitors can draw fortunes to seek guidance or learn about their future. If the fortune is unfavorable, it’s customary to tie it on the designated racks, leaving behind misfortune while taking only positive energy with you.