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This is a preview of the full content of our Japan’s Best app.

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Shrines & Temples

Byodo-in, Hoo-do (Phoenix Hall) -2 (October 2018)

Japan is a land of Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples. They are everywhere and you’re likely to visit at least a few of both.

Shintō & Buddhism – the basics

Shintō, the indigenous religion of Japan, means ‘the way of the kami’ - gods or deities derived from nature such as the kami of rain, wind, mountains or the sea. Shintō has no founder, no scriptures or dogmas.

Buddhism was introduced to Japan around the 6th century. It looks inward, with followers trying to achieve enlightenment or wisdom. The different sects believe in differing ways to achieve this goal - for example, the Zen sect believes one can achieve enlightenment through meditation and discipline.

Read the full content in the app
iOS App Store Google Play

The 88 Sacred Temples Pilgrimage

1400km pilgrimage clockwise around Shikoku

Asakusa 浅草 & Around

Sensō-ji temple & artisan shops

Fushimi Inari Shrine 伏見稲荷大社

Endless red shrine gates leading up the mountain

Ginkaku-ji 銀閣寺

Kyōto’s famed ‘Silver Pavilion’

Ise Grand Shrine 伊勢神宮

Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrine

Kinkaku-ji 金閣寺

The golden temple in the north

Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺

Popular temple with views of Kyōto

Konpira Shrine 金比羅

Climb 1368 stone steps to the Inner Shrine

Kōya-san 高野山

Monastery complex

Miyajima 宮島

One of the Nihon Sankei; ‘Three Great Sights’

Nagano 長野市

Historic temple city in the mountains

Nara 奈良 (city)

Japan’s largest Buddha & lots of deer

Nikkō 日光

Legendary shrine, nature & hiking

Izumo Grand Shrine 出雲大社

One of Japan’s oldest Shintō shrines

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by Tetsuhiro Terada