Being in Temples & Shrines of Japan

As a foreigner in Japan, religious practices are easier to see than hear. My understanding of 'religion' is very different than the Japanese perspective, making it quite difficult to understand survey data. The easier of the two main tricks to understanding Japan's religious statistics is understanding that Buddhism and Shintoism are not opposed. Many Japanese people consider themselves both Buddhist and Shinto. The harder thing to understand is the disconnect between being religious and participating in religious activities, visiting sites, and even accepting philosophies rooted in particular religious contexts. This article, The Nones: Japan, describes this phenomenon wonderfully.

So, as I travel through Japan, I explore shrines and temples. I admire the architecture, the sacred art in the form of engravings, sculptures, and paintings. I try to be in the moment, letting the inevitable waves of emotions roll in that religious sites always seem to illicit in me. Sometimes the waves are just heightened versions of feelings minimized by novelty. Other times though, the waves provide serenity, calmness, or peacefulness. I look around too. Sometimes I see busy salary men in suits, tossing coins, clapping, and bowing, and I imagine what they're praying for. Other times, I see tourists, taking photos and posing, and I imagine what it took for them to get here. Religious sites have a way of bringing strangers together.

Below are ten of the most beautiful sites I've seen in Japan so far (in no particular order):

Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara

Kofuku-ji is nestled within Nara Park, scattered with sweet deer hungry for crackers. The Temple houses a huge statue of The Buddha Shakyamuni. The deer, which are of special importance in Buddhism, are a straight-forward reminder of the interwoven connection between religion and nature. And they remind me of home.

The Thousand Torii Gates in Kyoto

The Thousand Torii Gates are one of the most picturesque sites in Japan, plastered on desktop screensavers and behind inspirational quotes. I had been sick so I was a little anxious about the thousands of staired-steps along the path but the surrounding beauty made it all more than worth it. This site is undeniably a tourist attraction, raising questions about what pulls non-shinto/non-Japanese tourists to spend hours here. Is it just the beauty? The feelings arising? The human craving for something bigger than, maybe supernatural, maybe spiritual? Perhaps, just the right to say you've been and seen?

Eihei-ji Temple in Fukui

Eihei-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Fukui. Zen, this word that I've heard used in and out of its literal context, has been of interest to me since I first got a glimpse of what Zen Buddhist practice looks like in 2020. The beauty of these sacred grounds was complemented by the trees of changing colors, a reminder of times fast passing. This temple, like Kopan in Nepal, allows foreigners to come, stay, and practice. I wonder what it must be like from the perspective of the monks who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice to share space with curious foreigners.

Gensho-ji Temple in Osaka

I think Gensho-ji has a special place in my heart because it was nearly empty when I stumbled upon it in Osaka. I got to sit and take time to meditate on a balcony overlooking graves and a busy city line. The art in this temple was wonderful. There were these beautiful carvings in the entry way and stunning plants and landscaping inside.

Nambayasaka Shrine in Osaka

I visited Nambayasaka shrine in the rain, which only emphasized the power of this incredible architecture. This structure is so magnificent that the line of people posing for photos in front of the wide open mouth extended out of the entry gate. Gozu Tenno, who is the deity of disease and healing and the protector against epidemics, is honored here. I wonder what it would've felt like to be here in 2020.

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

I first saw Meiji Shrine in 2023 when I visited Japan as a part of the Kakehashi program. It wowed me then and wowed me again. I was incredibly lucky to get a tour of Meiji Shrine with Priest Ito, who graciously chatted with me about his relationship with Japan and with Shintoism. I'm grateful to the connections I've made who helped arrange this meeting.

Nanzan University Museum of Anthropology in Nagoya

Of course, the Nanzan University Museum of Anthropology isn't a religious site but it was full of religious artifacts. My time at Nanzan University in Nagoya, specifically at the Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture, was wonderful. I had conversations with religious scholars and students who helped me better understand Japan and my relationship with higher academia.

Senso-ji in Asakusa

Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. This vast site with a ginormous pagoda is nestled within a fun night market of souvenirs, food, and drinking. While I was here, I was able to get my fortune in the same way that I did in Malaysia at Thean Hou Temple. These sorts of readings, regardless of skepticism, encourage the recipient to reflect on their life, desires, and fears.

Kyu Furukawa Garden in Tokyo

At Kyu Furukawa Garden, I was able to practice some much-needed meditation. I was also able to cross an exciting event off of my bucket list: a traditional Japanese Tea ceremony. To wander through such a beautiful nature-space, nestled within the busy concrete intricacies of Tokyo, calmed my mind and gave me the space to do some important contemplation.

Kotoku-ji Temple in Kyoto's Nishiki Market

Kotoku-ji is an interesting spot because it is tucked tightly within Nishiki Market, a very bustling food market. It seemed to serve as a photo-op for many tourists, but still, I saw a few people engage with the shrine in a more intimate way. Shintoism's integration into Japanese hard-working, busy culture is fascinating and this shrine and it's location represents that.