These 4 frequently visited places in Japan are all different! Know before you go!

#TravelGuide #JapanTravel #Shrine #Castle #Temple #ShintoShrine

Travel knowledge that makes your trip more fun

During your trip to Japan, you’ll often encounter places that look similar but have completely different roles and meanings, so I compared them for you!!

1. Shrine
A place of worship for Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, where various gods are enshrined!
Features include torii gates (red gates), purification fountains, ema (wish plaques), and amulets.
Famous shrines include Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto) and Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)!

2. Shinto Shrine (Shingū)
Among shrines, these are especially formal and prestigious shrines! They are characterized by enshrining gods deeply connected to the Japanese Imperial family, and many are large and historically significant places!

3. Temple
A Buddhist temple for practice and worship, enshrining Buddha and various bodhisattvas.
Features include pagodas, Buddha statues, incense burners, monks, and sutras!
Representative temples are Kiyomizudera (Kyoto) and Sensoji (Tokyo).

4. Castle
Fortresses where samurai lived and prepared for war in the past, serving as political and military bases and symbols of regional governance.
Features include the main keep (tenshukaku), moats, stone walls, and castle gates.
Famous castles include Himeji Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Osaka Castle.

Travel Tips!
When visiting shrines/shinto shrines: bow in front of the torii gate, wash your hands, bow twice and clap once.
When visiting temples: light incense and maintain a quiet atmosphere.
When visiting castles: enjoy historical exhibits, observation decks, and uniform experience corners.
Understanding these four types of places will make your trip to Japan more interesting and meaningful.