Many visitors to Japan are surprised when they spot a torii gate—traditionally associated with Shinto shrines—standing at the entrance of a Buddhist temple. This often leads to a common question:
“Aren’t torii gates only supposed to be at Shinto shrines?”
While torii gates are indeed a well-known symbol of Shintoism, the reality is more complex. Understanding why torii sometimes appear at temples requires a look into Japan’s unique religious history, where traditions often overlap.
What Is a Torii Gate?
A torii is a traditional Japanese gate usually found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine. It marks the transition from the everyday world to a sacred space. Passing through it is considered an act of purification before approaching a deity.
These gates often appear in vivid red or natural wood and come in several styles, but they all serve the same symbolic purpose: designating a holy space.
Why Are Torii Found at Buddhist Temples?
The presence of torii gates at temples may seem contradictory at first, but it’s rooted in centuries of religious fusion.
Shinbutsu-Shūgō: Blending Shinto and Buddhism
For much of Japanese history, Shinto and Buddhism were not practiced separately. Instead, they were blended together in a system known as Shinbutsu-shūgō, or “the fusion of kami (Shinto gods) and Buddhas.”
This syncretism allowed Buddhist temples to include Shinto deities on their grounds, often housed in smaller shrines called chinju-sha. These shrines were typically guarded by torii gates.
In 1868, the Japanese government enforced a separation of Shinto and Buddhism (Shinbutsu Bunri) as part of modernization efforts. Many religious sites were reorganized, but traces of the earlier fusion remain visible today.
Examples of Temples with Torii Gates
Here are some well-known Buddhist temples in Japan where torii gates are still present:
- Enryaku-ji (Shiga Prefecture)
- A historic Buddhist temple complex with Shinto shrines on site.
- Torii gates mark the entrance to those shrine areas within the temple grounds.
- Hase-dera (Nara Prefecture)
- A Buddhist temple with a small shrine dedicated to Tenjin (a Shinto deity).
- A torii gate stands at the entrance of this sub-shrine.
- Shitennō-ji (Osaka)
- One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples.
- Contains Shinto elements and structures, including torii.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Temple and a Shrine
For those unfamiliar with Japanese religious architecture, distinguishing between a temple and a shrine can be confusing—especially when elements like torii are shared.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Main Religious Focus
- Shinto shrines honor kami (spirits or gods).
- Buddhist temples are dedicated to the teachings of Buddha and often contain statues of Buddhas or bodhisattvas.
- Architectural Features
- Shrines often have torii gates, wooden prayer plaques (ema), and a purification fountain.
- Temples usually have large gates, incense burners, and pagodas.
- Worship Style
- At shrines, visitors typically bow twice, clap twice, and bow once.
- At temples, people press their palms together (in gasshō) and bow silently.
- Visual Cues
- Red torii, ropes with white paper streamers (shimenawa), and sacred trees are common at shrines.
- Incense smoke, bells, and monks in robes suggest a temple.
Final Thoughts
While torii gates are strongly associated with Shinto shrines, they can also appear at Buddhist temples due to Japan’s long history of religious blending. These gates serve as a visual reminder of how traditions often coexist and evolve in Japanese culture.
So if you’re exploring a temple in Japan and come across a torii gate, don’t be confused—it’s simply part of the country’s rich spiritual tapestry. Look for signs, take your time, and appreciate the layers of history all around you.
