I'm studying Japanese history again as I guide tours in Kamakura.
Kamakura is a special town where samurai first governed Japan.
Though it doesn't hold as much as Kyoto, it has many temples and shrines in town.
Some statistics say there are 41 Shinto shrines and 119 Buddhist temples in Kamakura.
I'll write about Kamakura's history on my blog later, but for now, I want to discuss something more general topic related to shrines and temples: religious values of the Japanese people.
According to a survey, about 70% of Japanese people consider themselves non-religious.
Yet, during the first three days of the New Year, many visit shrines, Buddhist temples hold funerals, and Christmas is celebrated. This unique national character is actually a special sense of religion and values that the Japanese have, even unconsciously. Knowing this can make visiting temples and shrines even more interesting.
First, a frequently asked question: What's the difference between temples and shrines? Simply said, shrines are Shinto, and temples are Buddhist.
Shinto is an ancient Japanese faith that still influences modern Japanese values (even though many consider themselves non-religious!).
For example, the Japanese might do things like:
Spread or place salt in front of their house after a funeral.
Visit a shrine at the beginning of the year for a good year.
Go to a shrine for success in exams.
Visit a shrine for purification if bad things keep happening.
Believe that speaking negative things can make them come true.
These actions are related to the following three beliefs in Shintoism.
The belief in the power of words. Kotodama Belief
The belief in vengeful spirits. Onryo Belief
The belief in impurity. Kegare Belief
For example, there's a ritual of purifying hands at a shrine before entering, related to the Kegare Belief.
Some shrines are also established to pacify the souls of those who died tragically, related to Onryo belief.
Such beliefs were strongly held in ancient times when science wasn't advanced.
People believed natural disasters were caused by vengeful spirits.
That's why they built grand and elaborate structures by spending vast resources.
Viewing shrines with this perspective can be very enjoyable while visiting.
Want to Experience a unique sightseeing that goes beyond what the typical tourist does, while learning about the religious values and Shinto beliefs that still remain among Japanese people today?
If you're interested in these fact, check this out.
CEO/Founder of Japan Adventures Co.
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