There are over 100,000 shrines and temples in Japan so there is no doubt that your client will visit one at some point during their stay in Japan!

Shrines

Shrines are characterised by the torii gate (usually red in colour) at the entrance. Shrines serve the Shinto religion. Just inside the shrines there will be a ‘temizuya’ or water pavilion where you will be required to wash your hands and mouth using a ladle. There is also a bowing, clapping, and praying routine to make in front of the altar.

Temples 

Temples are characterised by the sanmon gate at the entrance. Temples serve the Buddhist religion. Temples are not as strict in terms of prayer ritual however it is important to behave in a calm and respectful manner. You may also be required to take off your shoes. 

Collecting Shrine and Temple Stamps  

Goshuincho or a ‘stamp book’, is a small decorative book used for collecting goshuin, an original shrine or temple stamp. The priest or staff member will put a red stamp in your goshincho and inscribe extra details in black ink. The stamp books can be purchased at book stores, souvenir stores, or at a shrine and temple itself. For each red stamp you are expected to give a donation of around 300-500 JPY. 

Omamori and Omikuji  

In addition to stamps, shrines and temples also offer amulets (omamori) and fortune-telling slips of paper (omikuji). Some shrines and temples such as Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple in Chiba even offer fortunes in multiple different languages.  

Click here for more information on shrine and temple customs and momentos.