The difference between a shrine and a temple 5 points

Foreigner friends often ask me,about
the difference between Japanese Temple and Shrine.
When Japanese people understand it, we had some point of the features.

1, The gate

The shrine = Torii Gate (鳥居）

The temple = Sanmon Gate（山門）

 

2, Goshintai (御神体） and Gohonzon（御本尊）

Enshrined in the shrine = Goshintai (御神体）
Enshrined in the temple =Gohonzon（御本尊）

3, Komainu(狛犬）and Bonsho(梵鐘）

There is Komainu(狛犬）in the shrine.

There is Bonsho(梵鐘）in the temple.

4, Features of the building

The shrine building is simple.
They are often painted Japanese red color(朱＝Shu).
The shrine roofs are made of wooden bark(檜皮：Hiwada）

The temple building has many sculptures and paintings
on walls or pillars.
The temple roofs are made of roof tiles(瓦:Kawara).

5. How to pray

The shrine = Clap your hand (twice) in front of the main hall.

The temple = Put your palms together in front of the main hall.
(Please do not clap your hands)