Explore Japan
Religion
How shrines, temples, rituals, ancestors, and spiritual customs remain part of everyday Japanese life, even for people who do not consider themselves religious.
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Graves, Memorial Services, Obon, and Higan
How graves, family temples, memorial anniversaries, Obon, Higan, offerings, and visits to ancestral sites keep relationships with the dead active across generations.
Pregnancy, Birth, Childhood, and Coming-of-Age Rites
How pregnancy prayers, safe-birth customs, shrine visits, childhood celebrations, and coming-of-age ceremonies connect family milestones with protection, gratitude, and social recognition.
Religious Corporations, Donations, Finance, and Community Roles
How shrines, temples, and religious organizations are legally managed, funded, staffed, maintained, and connected to local communities through donations, property, events, and public responsibilities.
Shinto, Buddhism, and Religion Without Exclusive Membership
How Japanese people combine Shinto, Buddhism, ancestor practices, family customs, and secular identities without necessarily choosing one exclusive religion or describing themselves as believers.
Shinto, Buddhist, Christian-Style, and Secular Weddings
How shrine ceremonies, Buddhist rites, chapel-style weddings, civil registration, clothing, family expectations, and commercial wedding services create different forms of marriage celebration.
Shrine and Temple Visiting Etiquette
How visitors enter, cleanse themselves, pray, bow, photograph, dress, behave, and distinguish shrine customs from temple customs without treating every site as identical.