2024

When you think of Japan, images of samurai and Bushi warriors from ancient times may come to mind. Known as “Samurai Japan” in modern sports, and evoked in phrases like “Samurai Spirit” in business and athletics, the samurai’s legacy continues to influence. But have you ever wondered how samurai and Bushi warriors came to be, what sets them apart, and what the term “Samurai” truly represents?

Let’s dive into the fascinating history and philosophy of the samurai and the Bushi warrior.

How Samurai and Bushi warriors Came to Be
Japan’s history has been shaped by the Yamato Imperial Court’s aristocratic rule. The origins of Bushi warriors can be traced back to the descendants of local governors and powerful clans who armed themselves to protect their land. Therefore, Bushi warriors are defined as individuals who always carry weapons and make a profession out of combat.

Samurai, on the other hand, evolved differently. Originally, mid- and low-ranking nobles skilled in martial arts were dispatched to provinces to protect the land owned by nobles and temples from thieves and rebels. These armed groups formed Bushi warrior bands, and the nobles who employed them for protection highly valued their abilities. The term “Samurai” refers to those who learned martial arts and made military service their profession, though not all warriors were considered samurai unless they served a noble. Over time, the distinction between samurai and warriors blurred, but the definitions evolved with the era. Samurai/Bushi existed from around the 12th century until the Meiji period (1867).

The Life of a Samurai
Samurai resided in simple yet elegant structures known as “buke-yashiki” (samurai residences), often accompanied by writing rooms and gardens. Their meals were modest but nutritionally balanced, with strict adherence to dining etiquette.

Daily life involved rigorous training in martial arts, such as swordsmanship, to prepare for war or combat. Additionally, samurai engaged in cultural practices like tea ceremony, calligraphy and Zen, emphasizing mental and spiritual discipline. Governance and land management were also key responsibilities.

The Values and Land Dear to the Samurai
For samurai, land was of utmost importance, a prize worth risking their lives for. In times of frequent warfare, collective strategy and leadership were crucial. Leaders rewarded samurai with land for their loyalty and service.

Out of the samurai class emerged a unique set of ethics and philosophies known as “Bushido” (the Way of the Bushi Warrior). This code, highly revered among samurai, originated in the 17th century and evolved over time. Initially, Bushido emphasized honor in combat, sometimes resorting to cunning tactics to secure victory. By the 18th century, it had transformed to prioritize bravery, achievement, and loyalty, without resorting to underhanded tactics. In bureaucratic society, Bushido further evolved to emphasize strong principles, adherence to promises, and maintaining trust and honor.

Inazo Nitobe’s book “Bushido: The Soul of Japan” explains that Bushido is a moral system rooted in Buddhism, Shinto, and Confucianism, focusing on practical ethics such as justice, bravery, compassion, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

Samurai served their lords and led lives that exemplified integrity and dedication. The term “Samurai” still conjures images of resolute individuals today, a testament to their enduring legacy.

Place of Samurai culture
Explore the grandeur of castles, the charm of samurai residences, and the depth of museums to fully immerse yourself in the rich history, lifestyle, and values of the samurai. Embark on this journey and uncover the timeless philosophy of the ancient samurai—it’s an adventure you won’t forget!

If you interested in the Samurai world, Hokuriku is meet your expectation to see the house. please check the tour image of Hokuriku.

This time we will introduce Mount Koya. Mount Koya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama that’s famous worldwide. This spiritual haven, nestled in the mountains, was founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi. Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism and home to over 100 temples, many offering lodging for an authentic Buddhist experience.

Don’t miss the majestic Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, or the mesmerizing Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s most sacred site and the resting place of Kobo Daishi. Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, historical exploration, or simply the serene beauty of nature, Koyasan offers an unforgettable experience.

Experience Koyasan
Koyasan isn’t just about temples; it’s about immersing yourself in Buddhism. Engage in meditation, prayer, sutra copying, and morning pilgrimage services. At night, wander through illuminated temples and join the Okunoin night tour, where a monk will guide you through the eerie beauty of the tombs lit only by your lantern.

Hiking enthusiasts will love exploring Mount Koya itself, as the mountain is an object of worship. The scenic walks and treks are just as spiritually enriching as the temple visits.

How to Spend Time at Koyasan
A day trip won’t do justice to Koyasan’s many offerings. We recommend staying at least one night in a temple lodging (Shukubo). From luxurious inns to quaint, quiet places, there’s a variety of lodgings that cater to your preferences. Your stay will be memorable with experiences like sutra copying, buddhist cuisine and meditation. Here is the information of Shukubo.

How to Get to Koyasan

The journey to Koyasan is part of the adventure! Take the Nankai Railway’s limited express train or a sightseeing train with panoramic views from Osaka’s Namba Station. Then, ride the cable car up a steep slope to the summit. The whole journey takes about two hours.

For an extra special experience, reserve a seat on the Tenku sightseeing train. The seats face large windows, providing stunning views of the mountains.

While visiting Koyasan’s main spots and enjoying the unique Buddhist experiences takes at least two days, it’s a journey worth every moment. Take your time to savor this unique slice of Japanese culture.

Movie from here.

Map

For many travelers, visiting Japan’s temples and shrines is a must-do experience. Not only do these sacred sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich historical culture and stunning architecture, but they also provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the practice of Zen.

Today, many temples and shrines in Japan offer a variety of experiences beyond just sightseeing. Visitors can participate in Zen meditation sessions, try their hand at Shakyo Calligraphy (Sutra copying), savor delicious vegetarian cuisine, and even engage in traditional training experiences at Shukubo (temple’s guesthouse, lodging). One such place that offers these enriching activities is the renowned Eiheiji Temple in Fukui prefecture placed Japan seaside. This time, I would like to explain about Shukubo based on my experience staying at a temple lodging of Eiheiji Temple.

The History of Shukubo
The tradition of Shukubo—temple lodging—dates back to the Heian period, around 1200 years ago. Initially, these lodgings were reserved for the emperor and nobility who visited the sacred Kumano Three Mountains. Over time, this privilege extended to samurai and eventually to the general public. By the Edo period, about 400 years ago, staying at temples and shrines became a popular practice among travelers. Although the practice waned as travel became more accessible, many temples and shrines have preserved this tradition, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality.

What is Shukubo?
Originally, Shukubo served as a place for monks and worshippers to stay and purify their minds and bodies. Today, many of these lodgings’ welcome general tourists, providing enhanced facilities and services. Staying at a Shukubo offers a distinct experience compared to a regular hotel, allowing guests to immerse themselves in living traditions and culture. Many temples offer morning pilgrimages, which are free to join and highly recommended for a truly immersive experience.
Guests can also engage in activities unique to Shukubo, such as sutra copying, Zen meditation, and listening to enlightening talks by monks.

Types of Shukubo
Shukubo accommodations come in various forms. Some stay in side of the temple offering a rigorous training experience similar to that of the monks.

Others are, some are located within the temple grounds, situated in buildings on the premises or in nearby facilities operated by the temple, providing a more relaxed experience akin to staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan inn.

The availability of Shukubo varies, with some temples and shrines offering lodging only during specific times or seasons. It’s advisable to check in advance regarding the acceptance of overseas visitors and the availability of accommodations. Shukubo become popular for the tourist from outside of Japan now.

Here are some examples for accept tourist from outside of Japan:

• Soto Zen Temple
• Eiheiji Temple
• Koyasan

What Can You Experience?

If you stay inside the temple, you will follow the same daily schedule as the monks. Here is a typical day in the life of a monk at Eiheiji Temple. (Please note that the schedule may vary depending on the day.) From morning to night, you will practice Zen meditation and work, with very few breaks. The monks’ day off at Eiheiji is on days ending in 4 or 9, during which they do laundry, bathe, study, and generally stay within the temple. While the exact schedule may differ from temple to temple, the general routine is similar.

A Day in the Life of a Monk at Eiheiji Temple:

• 3:50 AM: Wake up
• 4:20 AM: Zen meditation
• 5:30 AM: Morning pilgrimage
• 6:30 AM: Breakfast
• 7:30 AM: Cleaning
• 9:00 AM: Zen meditation and work
• 11:00 AM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM: Zen meditation and work
• 5:00 PM: Dinner
• 7:00 PM: Zen meditation
• 9:00 PM: Go to bed

If you stay at an outside Shukubo affiliated with the temple, you can participate in the entire experience freely. Here is a simple itinerary from check-in to check-out. Some Shukubo also offer additional activities such as yoga, flower arrangement and tea ceremony.

• Day 1:
  • 3:00 PM: Check-in
  • 3:30 PM: Zen meditation at Eiheiji Temple
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner
  • 7:00 PM: Sutra chanting
  • 9:00 PM: Go to bed
• Day 2:
  • 3:30 AM: Wake up
  • 4:00 AM: Leave the inn and head to Eiheiji Temple
  • 4:30 AM: Monk’s talk
  • 5:30 AM: Morning pilgrimage
  • 6:00 AM: Tour of the temple precincts
  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM: Check-out

As you can see, the experiences differ significantly between staying inside the temple and staying at an outside Shukubo. Choose your lodging based on the type of experience you want.

Summary

Temples are places of practice and worship. Spend a peaceful and quiet time here. The training experience inside the temple is very strict, cutting you off from the outside world. You will spend most of the day doing zazen and practicing in a tatami mat space called “half tatami mats when you wake up, one tatami mat when you sleep”, with limited time for breaks. Therefore, strict practice, it is up to the temple to decide whether or not you can take part in the training and stay inside of temple.

Some temples offer English support, although the schedule and availability may be limited, so it’s essential to check in advance.

All experiences at temple when you stayed at outside accommodations managed by temples are freely to participate in, allowing you to spend your time at your own pace. Even first-time Zen practitioners can easily join. Recently, more facilities offer not only shared room of large tatami rooms but also private and luxurious rooms, similar to high-end ryokan inns, along with various services such as tea ceremonies and flower arrangements.

As a special experience in Japan, the Shukubo stay will immerse you in history and culture, providing a tranquil moment to reflect and find inner peace.

Video of Eiheiji temple

One of the most frequently asked questions from people traveling to Japan is what is the difference between shrines and temples? The religion of Japan is “Shintoism”, right? There is such a thing. So this time, I would like to touch on the difference between a shrine and a temple.

There are about 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples in Japan. Both shrines and temples are very sacred places, and they are places where you can pray peacefully and relaxed. Its unique space and beauty are indispensable for sightseeing in Japan.
Not only do you have to look at its unique beauty and take pictures, but you can also experience the cultural part of it, which will make your trip to Japan even more fulfilling. So, whether you’re drawn to the mystical allure of shrines or the serene wisdom of temples, Japan’s sacred sites promise an unforgettable adventure!

In the first place, the difference between a shrine and a temple is a facility with a different religion. Due to the differences in religious beliefs, the content of prayer is mainly different between shrines and temples.

Shrine:
We worship God at Shinto religious facilities. At the shrine, people pray for happiness and wishes in this world, and when their wishes come true, they come to thank them.

Temples:
Enshrine the Buddha in a Buddhist religious facility. At the temple, we express our gratitude for our daily lives and pray for a paradise after death.

So how are Shinto and Buddhism different? Here are some of the differences between Shinto and Buddhism.

Difference Between Shinto and Buddhism
Shinto is an ethnic religion born in Japan. In Shintoism, it is believed that gods dwell in everything around us, and are sometimes described as “eight million gods”. Shinto is not a monotheistic religion, but a polytheistic religion. The supreme deity of Shinto is Amaterasu, the radiant sun goddess. Multiple gods are enshrined in the shrine, and the gods enshrined in each shrine are called “Saishin”. In some cases, those who have achieved great feats are enshrined as gods in shrines. For example, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is Tokugawa Ieyasu, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is Sugawara Michishin, and Meiji Jingu Shrine is Emperor Meiji and Empress Meiken. The shrine will be set up in a “special sanctuary”.

The shrine enshrines the “divine body” in which the gods dwell. The divine body is the object of worship. There are various types of deities, from mirrors and swords to the sea, to mountains, to things in nature that have been transformed into animals. For example, the shrine of Asama Shrine’s divine body is majestic Mt. Fuji, and the Atsuta Jingu cradles an ancient sword.
It is believed that all the objects enshrined in the shrine have spiritual power and protection.

Since there is no guru or doctrine, there is no teaching not to do this, but if I dare to name a few, it is rooted in the hearts and cultures of many Japan people, such as “giving in,” “supporting each other,” “thanks,” and “punishment.”

Buddhism is a foreign religion that originated in India and was introduced to Japan around the 6th century via China. Buddhism is a world religion founded by Buddha, and it offers prayers based on scriptures and thinks about people’s salvation, such as how to go to the Pure Land of Paradise after death. The temple is decorated with the “Gohonzon”, which is the object of worship. The highest rank is a Buddha called “Amitabha”. More than half of the temples in Japan have Amida enshrined.

The cornerstone of Buddhist teachings is “reincarnation,” in which life and death circulate. It is an image of becoming enlightened through prayer and breaking out of the painful cycle of life and death. There is a teaching called “causal retribution” that all evil deeds will return and will be unfortunate in the next life, and conversely, good deeds will remain as virtues and will return in a fortunate form. Buddhism has precepts, and there are precepts that prohibit stealing and killing. Compassion and mindfulness guide our actions.

In addition, there are several sects of Buddhism, and one of them, Zen Buddhism, is different from the idea that you can get out of suffering just by praying based on the scriptures, and the idea of attaining enlightenment through rigorous training without relying on the scriptures. Some of you may have heard of it as “Zen” overseas.
Zen training is mainly carried out in the great outdoors, but in order to practice from indoors, Zen Buddhist temples also feature a beautiful Zen garden of “dry mountain water” that represents nature.

Are Japan people irreligious?
It is said that 61% of people in Japan are not religious, but in addition to first pilgrimage, grave visits, and weddings, there are many Japan people who visit shrines and temples and hold festivals at every milestone.
Unlike monotheistic countries, polytheistic Japan does not worship on a fixed day, and it may be difficult to understand when you see Christmas celebrated or Buddhist people having weddings in churches. For better or worse, Japan’s openness to religion has allowed it to absorb cultural influences from around the world at a very rapid pace.

How to distinguish a shrine from a temple
There is a torii gate at the entrance of the shrine, but the temple has a mountain gate, a bell, and a tomb. Shrines (jinja) are dedicated to kami (spirits or deities), and the torii symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the mystical, while the mountain gate(Sanmon) signify the boundary between our world and enlightenment.

Look out for komainu, the mythical lion-dog guardians, gracing shrine grounds. Their fierce yet protective presence adds to the enchantment. Keep an eye out for statues of Nio—the fierce at temple, muscular guardians who ward off evil. Their solemn gaze invites contemplation.

The roof of the shrine is based on materials of natural origin and is characterized by planking on stilts. Compared to simple shrines, temples have more buildings, are more solemn, and have tiled roofs.
Since the temple is both a place of training and a place of living, there are various ancillary facilities such as kitchens and living rooms.

Also, at the shrine, you cannot see the enshrined god like the Buddha statue in the temple. Shrines have priests and priestesses, while temples have monks and nuns.

Sometimes, shrines and temples share space, their torii gates intertwining. This reflects Japan’s rich history, where Shinto and Buddhism coexist harmoniously.

Differences in Worship Methods
First, cleanse your hands and mouth with hand water. After that, head to the main shrine. Put in the money and ring the bell. Up to this point, both shrines and temples are common.

At the shrine, you will worship with “two bows, two clap, one bow”. Bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow one last time.
In the temple, we do not clap our hands, but ring a large disc bell and silently put our hands together in prayer. Where there is an incense stand, we burn incense.
It is said that it is important to state your name and address at the shrine and express your gratitude before visiting with all your heart.
After visiting the shrine, when you leave the torii gate and the mountain gate, you bow to the main shrine.

Goshuin Seal
The Goshuin seal is a stamped certificate that is given as a proof of the visit to a shrine or temple. Collecting Goshuin seals is popular in Japan. This can be obtained at both shrines and temples.

In this article, we have introduced the difference between shrines and temples. It can be briefly summarized as follows.

• Shinto shrines are Shinto facilities that originated in Japan and are built in sacred places to pray to the gods for happiness in this world. The structure is simple with natural materials. There is a torii gate and a komainu guards it.
• The temple is a Buddhist religious facility that originated in India, and is a place to pray to the Buddha for gratitude in this life and for the Pure Land of Paradise after death. The structure is majestic and features a tiled roof. There is a mountain gate and a statue of Nio guards it.
• Shinto teachings are rooted in the sensuous ethics of the Japan people
• In Buddhism, reincarnation and causal retribution are the cornerstones of belief
• Shinto does not have the precepts of Buddhism
• Shinto and Buddhism are closely intertwined, and shrines and temples are sometimes located on the same site, making it difficult to distinguish them

How was it, everyone? Did you understand the difference between a typical shrine and a temple to feel Japan culture? So, dear travelers, pack curiosity, wander ancient paths, and let Japan’s whispers guide you.

Mahalo Nuiloa Local Guide Japan coordinates your desired trip. We look forward to supporting your trip to Japan. You can check the tour image of the trip on this site.