See Japan’s spiritual side.
From the wood-carved walls of Kyoto’s temples to the quiet mysticism housed in Shinto shrines, explore Japan’s rich range of religion deeper than ever.
In this Guide:
How to Do Temple Visits in Japan
Shintoism & Buddhism, Japan’s Two Major Religions
Religious & Spiritual Masterclasses in Japan
The Spirituality of Sumo
Japanese Religion FAQs
Japan is filled with a near-endless amount of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, many constructed centuries in the past and featuring intricate carvings and detailed metalwork.
Visiting is as simple as strolling through the gates.
However, for those looking for deeper encounters with religion during their next travel to Japan, a masterclass offered at a temple by a monk or at shrine operated by a head priest can provide richer nuance and priceless memories.
How to Visit Temples in Japan
Discover Japan’s Major Two Religions
What is Japanese Shintoism?
Japan’s Indigenous religion, Shintoism lacks a central scripture but features a religious focus on the reverence of nature and kami deities. Shinto shrines, marked by their iconic red torii gates, often host rituals and festivals, as well as provide a space for visitors to ask for blessings from the kami.
Japan’s spiritual cornerstone, Shintoism often coexists in peace with Buddhism, with many religious customs and practices overlapping. It’s more than common for people in Japan to believe in both faiths harmoniously.
What is Japanese Buddhism?
Introduced from China by route of Korea during the 6th century, Japanese Buddhism has since developed into a myriad of different forms and heavily influenced all aspects of Japanese culture, from cuisine to architectural trends, and even shaping the development of crafts and art.
Sects like Zen Buddhism, which also is split into distinct schools, emphasize meditation and mindfulness, while Nichiren Buddhism prioritizes the power of chanting to achieve enlightenment. Regardless of type, Buddhism undeniably majorly shaped ancient Japanese society, politics, and aesthetic principles.
Spiritual & Religious Experiences in Japan
Seek enlightenment by practicing meditation with a Buddhist monk or take a behind-the-scenes tour of Shinto shrines escorted by the guji, head priest, with masterclasses based on belief.
Buddhist Experiences
Explore a history of harmony
Immerse deeper into the vast world of religion and spirituality in Japan, from tales of Japan’s mighty mountain warrior monks to connections between meditation and martial arts.
The Spirituality of Sumo
Most people recognize sumo as an athletic feat, but few know sumo’s spiritual origins—and continued customs.
The Mind of No-Mind
The connections between Zen Buddhism, samurai warrior culture, and martial arts in Japan run centuries deep.
Magic Powers in Mountain Seclusion
Discover shugengo, a Japanese religion with Buddhist origins featuring isolation, flying, and other impressive powers.
Japanese Religion FAQs
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Buddhism and Shintoism are the main religions in Japan. The two religions coexisted peacefully for much of Japan’s history. Shintoism originated in Japan while Buddhism was introduced from Korea and China.
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Shintoism worships kami, which often originate from nature. Shintoism does not have a founding scripture, but one of Japan’s earliest literatures, the Kojiki, describes tales of Shinto gods.
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Torii gates are the entrances to Shinto shrines. They mark the transition from the everyday into a sacred space. Many torri gates are painted a vivid red, but others are left unpainted, exposing their natural grain.
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Yes, matsuri are religious festivals held by Shinto shrines. They honor the kami residing at the shrines and include a range of festivities. They’ll often feature a mikoshi procession, lively music, and street food stalls serving up classic cuisine like yakisoba.
