Structured Lists Directory

Overview

Types of Shrines and Temples

Japanese shrines and temples are classified into various types based on historical and religious backgrounds. Shrines are categorized by their titles (Jingu, Taisha, Miya, Jinja, Sha, etc.) and shrine ranks (Kanpei Taisha, Kokuhei Taisha, etc.), while temples are organized by the honmatsu system (Sohonzan, Daihonzan, Honzan, Matsuji, etc.) and Buddhist sects. These classifications serve as an important foundation for understanding Japanese religious culture and history.

shrine temple shinto buddhism shrine rank honmatsu system japanese culture religion
code slug name description category
S01 jingu Jingu Shrines enshrining imperial ancestral deities or deities with deep ties to the imperial family, holding the highest rank. shrine
S02 taisha Taisha Large shrines representing a region or head shrines of a shrine network. shrine
S03 miya Miya (Gu) Shrines enshrining imperial princes or historically important figures. shrine
S04 jinja Jinja The general term for shrines, representing the most numerous type. shrine
S05 sha Sha (Yashiro) Small-scale shrines, often enshrining local guardian deities. shrine
S06 hokora Hokora Small religious facilities installed along roadsides. shrine
T01 sohonzan Sohonzan The supreme temple of each Buddhist sect, governing the entire sect. temple
T02 daihonzan Daihonzan Temples below Sohonzan that govern affiliated temples in a specific region. temple
T03 beppaku-honzan Beppaku Honzan Temples with special status receiving treatment equivalent to Daihonzan. temple
T04 honzan Honzan Fundamental dojo of a sect that conducts dharma transmission and governs affiliated temples. temple
T05 matsuji Matsuji Subordinate temples belonging to a Honzan or Honji. temple
T06 tatchu Tatchu Branch temples within a Sohonzan built to memorialize successive chief priests. temple

Data about the types and classification systems of Japanese shrines and temples.