Important Structures

Although shrines and temples may differ in colour and design, each has specific structures and objects that are found in these places of worship.

Considered to be the gateway to the Shinto shrine’s sacred ground, the “torii” is the distinct feature that makes shrines easily recognizable. It is a gate of two upright poles topped with two cross-pieces and it symbolizes the division of the outside world from the world of kamior Shinto Gods.  There are two kinds of torii one of which is the “pure” Shinto shrine which will have a plain gate while a shrine with a plaque on its torii is a Ryobu Shinto or a shrine that has been influenced by Buddhism.

The komainu is another important object that can be found inside a shrine. These are two statues of lion-dogs near the entrance one with its mouth open and the other with its mouth close. The open-mouthed lion-dog represents the male and symbolizes the beginning of the universe while the close-mouthed statue is the female which represents the end of the universe. Each statue that in the shrines has meaning and these help identify the god housed in the shrine.

Used to purify oneself is the purification through situated near the entrance as well. Worshippers or visitors are expected to rinse themselves of all impurities by scooping a ladle of water from the through before they can enter the shrine.

Almost all of the shrines have a honden (main hall) and a haiden (offering hall). These complexes may be built separately or combined depending on the architectural design.

Like shrines, temples also have a “gate” that signifies the entrance to the sacred grounds. Temple gates may be one or several in a complex.

Each temple has a pagoda which is based from the Indian stupa. Pagodas are considered to be the most important structure in a temple as this symbolizes the tomb in which the bones of Buddha were placed.

Same with shrines, temples also has a main hall where a sacred object of worship is displayed. However, instead of an offering hall, temples have lecture halls called kodo.

A distinct feature of temples is that it has a cemetery. One can almost never see a cemetery in a shrine as death is considered a cause of impurity in Shintoism.