Shrine trivia

Simply put, Japanese shrines are like “homes where Japanese gods (the eight million gods) live.”

They have a different origin from temples (Buddhism), and are based on the ancient Japanese belief (Shinto) of reverence for nature and historical figures.

●What is a shrine?
Shrines are places dedicated to specific “gods.” However, there is more than one god.
・Gods of nature: Mountains, sea, sun, thunder, etc. (For example, Mount Fuji itself is considered a god.)
・Historical figures: People who have accomplished great feats (for example, Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane)
・Eight million gods: The belief that gods reside in everything.

●The Meaning of the Torii Gate at Shrine Entrances
Torii gates are almost always found at the entrances of shrines.
They serve as a boundary (kekkai) that signals, “This is the world of the gods.” By passing through the gate, we leave the everyday world and enter a sacred place.

●The concept of “bunrei” (split spirits)
In Japan, there is a unique understanding of the “nature of gods” that differs from the Western concept of “individuals.”
①The property of being “infinitely multiplyable.”
In Buddhist teachings and the Japanese belief in the eight million gods, the spiritual power of gods and Buddhas is believed to “not lose its quality even if it is divided infinitely.”
・Even if it is divided into 100 parts, each part still has 100% power.
・The divided parts also function as “independent gods.”
②Network-like Connections
It is believed that branch shrines (bunsha) are connected to the original shrine (main shrine) by an invisible line.
・Main shrine (head temple): Source of energy.
・Branch shrine (network base): Guardian deity of the region.
This is based on a relationship of trust, in which a user’s visit to a branch shrine is communicated to the original deity through the network.
③The reassurance that “gods can appear anywhere”
The idea of branching spirits became widespread because of the kindness of “saving people who cannot travel far to worship.
“I want to go to Ise Grand Shrine or Narita-san, but with the old means of transportation, I might only be able to get there once in my lifetime…”
For such people, the gods come closer to them.
This flexible idea that “gods can reside anywhere” is the reason why shrines spread throughout Japan.
It is believed that it is because of this system of “bunrei” that we can connect with the gods of large shrines even through the household altar or a small shrine on a street corner.

●Introducing the Five Representative Groups of Shrine “Lineages” and “Roles”
①Ise Grand Shrine-type (Shinmei Shrines and Daijingu Shrines)
These shrines are dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the chief deity of Japan.
・Characteristics: Because they enshrine the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, they hold a special place in the world of shrines.
・Benefits: National peace, good fortune, and the fulfillment of wishes.
②Hachiman-type (Hachimangu Shrines and Hachiman Shrines)
It enshrines Emperor Ojin and others.
・Characteristics: Originally worshipped by samurai as the “god of military fortune,” he was deeply revered by them.
・Benefits: Prayers for victory, career advancement, protection from misfortune, etc.
③Inari-type (Inari Shrines)
These shrines are symbolized by a red torii gate and a fox. They are dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-kami.
・Characteristics: The fox is not the god himself, but rather his messenger.
・Benefits: Prosperous business and bountiful harvests (never worrying about food).
④Tenjin-type (Tenmangu Shrines and Tenjin Shrines)
These shrines are dedicated to the real-life politician and scholar Sugawara no Michizane.
・Characteristics: Statues of plum blossoms and cows are often found within the grounds.
・Benefits: Prayers for academic success and passing exams.
⑤Hikawa-type (Hikawa Shrines)
This group of shrines is found mainly in the Arakawa River basin (Musashi Province), with Hikawa Shrine in Omiya as its main shrine.
・Characteristics: The main deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the hero famous for slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi. Since ancient times, Hikawa Shrine has been deeply rooted as the “guardian deity of Musashi Province,” a water god, an agricultural deity, and a guardian deity of the local area.
・Benefits: Protection from misfortune, prayers for good relationships, and household safety.

●Number of Shrines
Convenience stores are an essential part of modern life, and you’ll see them every time you walk a little. There are an estimated 56,000 convenience stores in Japan. You might think there aren’t that many shrines or temples, right?
In fact, there are over 80,000 shrines, about 1.5 times the number of convenience stores. There are also over 70,000 temples.
And the most commonly enshrined shrine is Inari Shrine, affectionately known as “Oinari-san.”
| Ranking | Type of Shrine | Main Deity Enshrined | Approximate Number |
| 1st Place | Inari Shrine | Uka no Mitama no Kami | Approx. 32,000 Shrines |
| 2nd Place | Hachiman Shrine | Emperor Ojin | Approx. 25,000 Shrines |
| 3rd Place | Tenjin/Tenmangu Shrine | Sugawara no Michizane | Approx. 10,000 Shrines |
*There are various theories, but this order is generally accepted in statistics from the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Why is Inari-san number one?
That’s because Inari-san is a god who answers the wishes of ordinary people.

・Wide range of benefits: Originally a god of rice (agriculture), he has exploded in popularity as a god who can grant any wish, including prosperity in business and safety in the home.

・Ease of branching out: He has an overwhelming number of branches and can be invited into not only large shrines, but also private gardens and building rooftops.
By the way, Hachiman Shrine, which came in second place, is extremely numerous, especially in eastern Japan, as samurai (such as the Genji) once spread its spirit throughout the country as the “god of war.”
The next time you pass by a nearby shrine, it might be interesting to check whether it’s called “Inari” or “Hachiman.”

●How to easily distinguish between shrines and temples
They’re often confused, but they’re easy to distinguish by appearance.
| Characteristics | Shrines (Shinto) | Temples (Buddhist) |
| Symbols | Torii gates | Buddhist statues and graves |
| Buildings | Straw ropes (shimenawa) | Bells (such as New Year’s Eve bells) |
| How to worship | Clapping (applause) | Silently joining hands (gassho) |
| Caretakers | Chief Priest (Guji) , Shinto Priest (Kannushi) , Shrine Maiden (Miko) | Chief Priest (Jushoku) , Monk (Obosan)

●Basic Worship Etiquette: “Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow”
These are the basic steps when visiting a shrine.
-Two Bows: Bow deeply twice toward the altar.
-Two Claps: Place both hands together at chest height, move your right hand slightly lower, and clap twice (clap clap!).
-Pray: Place your hands together and express your gratitude or make a request.
-One Bow: Bow deeply once at the end.
・Before passing through the torii gate or praying, you wash your hands at the Temizuya (purification fountain) to purify your mind and body before meeting the gods.

●The joys of visiting shrines
In recent years, in addition to appreciating historical architecture, the following ways of enjoying shrines have become popular.
・Goshuin (stamp): Beautiful calligraphy and stamps received as proof of visitation.
・Amulets and fortune-telling slips: Charms with designs unique to each shrine and fortune-telling.
・Power spots: Often surrounded by abundant nature, these shrines are also popular as places of relaxation and refreshment.

It is said that shrines are not simply places to make wishes, but rather places to go to express daily gratitude.