Buddhism and Shinto have co-existed peacefully in Japan for many hundreds of years. One example of this can be seen at Natadera in Ishikawa Prefecture. There is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of nearby Mount Hakusan side by side with Buddhist shrines. On a sunny autumn day I admired the maple leaves, and I gave thanks for beauty, peace, and tolerance.
- 1 min read
Dual religion at Natadera
Shinto side by side with Buddhism in autumn sunshine

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Heavy rope decorating a shrine

Stone torii behind a moss covered tree trunk

Stone lantern under a fiery maple

Sunlit maple leaves behind a stone torii

A series of stone torii leading to a shrine

Shrine guardian

Fortune paper tied to a sprig of red berries

Kondo Keoden, a Shinto shrine

Magnificent statue of a samurai on horseback - possibly Lord Toshitsune Maeda who rebuilt Natadera after it burned down

Information about Natadera
Explore nearby
-
-
-
-
Hotel Hokuriku Koganoi
Featured
Join the discussion
Sherilyn Siy
5 years ago
My favorite photo has to be the stone torii with the moss covered tree in the foreground. Great photos.
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
Before the Meiji Revolution in 1868, this was even more common and sometimes the shrine and temple would be the same exact building. How did the Japanese people who favored Shintoism (shrines) and the nobles of the court preferring Buddhism (temples) get along so well? One factor was a general agreement that Shinto deities are all just various forms of Buddha. This allowed both religions to flourish together in some parts of Japan.
That's interesting, Justin. Actually, I've often seen shrine and temple combinations.
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Discover Japan's Allure With a Tokyo Cruise
Article - Sponsored -
2
Garyu Sanso: An Architectural Masterpiece in Harmony with Nature
Ehime - Sponsored -
3
New Flavors Coming to Tokyo DisneySea This Spring
Chiba -
4
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
5
A Guide to Tono City and Hanamaki City
Iwate - Sponsored -
6
Sakura-lined Waterways in Tokyo
Activities -
7
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
8
The Art of Getting Lost: Sloped Roads & Archaic Tales
Tokyo -
9
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
10
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
AnimeJapan
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa