Japan is full of shrines and temples
They are beautiful
Majestic
Spiritual
Ancient
Ancient
Wondrous places
They are everywhere
I visited Kyoto first and was truly wowed by the shrines and temples and the religious and spiritual nature of them
It was the holiday season and I loved that there were so many visitors
And how many people had dressed for the occasion
And how many people had dressed for the occasion
Tourism sites, books etc are all about the shrines and temples
But perhaps like all good things, too much of something and we can become immune to their charm or presence.
Allegedly the Japanese are not very religious, but both Shinto and Buddhism are seen as important parts of Japanese culture and ways of life.
Shinto which originated in Japan is the oldest religion, while Buddhism came from China. Shintoism is deeply connected with nature it believes that every living thing possesses a spirit, it is not interested in the afterlife as it believes in the living of this life rather than in preparing for the next, it is about ritual and observance rather than faith. Traditional weddings are held at Shrines.
Buddhism on the other hand is much more rooted in the afterlife and the importance of our ancestors. Funerals are held in Temples.
I read that there are over 80,000 Shinto shrines in Japan and that 77,394 Buddhist Temples are registered.
Many people also have shrines to their ancestors and loved ones at home
During Obon week I made one myself
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