Culture & visiting
Arrive with a little
understanding.
Guides for a thoughtful visit to Japan’s temples and shrines.
These are living places of worship. Customs, access and photography rules vary. Follow the signs and guidance at each site.
Find your guideKnow the place. Arrive with care.
Separate guides to temple and shrine traditions, with practical advice for your visit.
A quiet first visit
A little preparation helps you arrive with confidence. Learn the difference between a shrine and a temple, pause at the entrance, and follow the customs of the place you are visiting.
Goshuin and the memory of a visit
The meaning of a goshuin begins with the visit itself. Offer your respects, receive it with care, and keep it in a dedicated book.
Respectful travel, thoughtful photographs
A memorable visit leaves room for everyone. Check the rules, give worshippers space, and plan a route that suits your needs.
Understanding Buddhist temples
Discover Buddhist places of worship through their halls, images and living traditions. A temple visit begins with understanding the place in front of you.
Understanding Shinto shrines
Learn about kami, torii gates and sacred precincts. Shrines have their own traditions, shaped by the place and the community around it.
Temple visits: do & don’t
A practical companion for a Buddhist temple visit, from quiet prayer to considerate photography. Local signs and staff guidance always come first.
Shrine visits: do & don’t
From the torii to the prayer hall, learn how to visit a Shinto shrine with care. Keep the sacred grounds and the people using them in mind.