frutti.gummi

By the third day of our vacation, we realized that almost all the places we visited are either temples or shrines. Then, we started to wonder about the differences between a temple and a shrine. At first thought, they seemed quite similar to us. At both places, we saw people praying and buying various types of charms (lucky charms, protective charms, etc). Then I realized that there are torii gates at shrines but not at temples.

Torri gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine

At these shrines, they are often mini shrines where you can pray for something more specific, like good health, love, wealth, etc. The gates at Fushimi Inari go all the way uphill and at the top, you can pray for success in studies. I guess you if managed to get all the way up there, it shows that you have the determination and you probably have what it takes to succeed.

Temples on the otherhand, usually have a big compound with a nice garden. They also house a statue of Buddha and have an incense burner in front. These gardens are very beautiful with carefully "manicured" trees and flowers, and intricately lined rocks and pebbles.

The garden at Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)

Sometimes you find a shrine right next to a temple. For example, the Love Shrine (it's proper name is Jishu Shrine) is right next to the Kiyomizudera Temple. This shrine is popular with women, especially school girls. There is pair of stones about 60ft apart called the "Love Stones". It is said that if a person manages to walk from one stone to another with their eyes clsoed, that person will find their true love.

A school girl in front of one of the stones.

Some charms sold at the shrine.

Part of the praying ritual includes tugging at the hanging rope.