Why You Should Never Disrespect Japanese Shrines and Temples: The Gods May Curse You

Japan is a country that draws millions of visitors annually, with its rich culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. The recent surge in tourism, thanks in part to the weakened yen, has welcomed an influx of foreign travelers. In fact, 2024 is projected to see a significant rise in visitors, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels.

However, with this increase comes a new wave of concerns—namely, the behavior of some tourists at Japan’s sacred shrines and temples. While exploring Japan’s spiritual landmarks is a key highlight for many travelers, it is vital to understand the deep cultural and religious significance attached to these sites. Recently, inappropriate conduct at some of these revered places has caused distress among the Japanese people.

This article serves as both an introduction to Japan’s religious traditions and a guide for visitors. Most importantly, it provides insight into why certain actions—such as climbing on torii gates or acting disrespectfully at shrines—are more than just breaches of etiquette. They could incur something much worse: a curse from the gods themselves.

A Nation Shaped by Spirituality: Understanding Japan’s Religious Outlook

Although Japan is often described as a secular society, the country’s spiritual and religious beliefs are deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. At the heart of this system is the concept of the “Yaoyorozu no Kami”—literally translated as “eight million gods.” This figure isn’t meant to be taken literally; it represents the countless deities believed to inhabit the natural and man-made world.

In Japanese spirituality, everything has a soul or spirit, from mountains and rivers to household items and food. Major historical figures, such as emperors or warriors, often become deified after death, and their spirits are venerated at shrines throughout the country. Japanese festivals (known as matsuri) are often dedicated to these gods, and many people visit local shrines to pay their respects, particularly during the New Year.

Thus, Japan’s connection to spirituality is not confined to religious services; it is seamlessly integrated into daily activities and customs. Foreign visitors should understand that a visit to a Japanese shrine or temple is not simply a sightseeing opportunity, but a visit to a space that is imbued with deep religious significance.

The Concept of Divine Retribution: How Japanese Gods Can Curse You

Among the many deities worshipped in Japan, there is a common understanding that gods are not just benign protectors; they can also be vengeful. One of the most compelling aspects of Japan’s traditional belief system is the concept of tatari, or divine retribution.

While many religions across the world emphasize forgiveness and mercy, Japanese spirituality holds that gods can—and will—punish those who disrespect them. This punishment often takes the form of a curse, which could manifest as personal misfortune, illness, or even disasters.

For instance, at Inari shrines, where the god Inari is worshipped, people are particularly cautious. Inari is the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity, but is also known for swift and severe retribution toward those who act disrespectfully. This belief in divine punishment persists strongly even in modern Japan.

Recent Issues: Disrespect at Sacred Shrines and Temples

In recent years, cases of disrespectful behavior by tourists at some of Japan’s most sacred sites have caused outrage among locals. Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha, for example, is one of the most famous and frequented shrines in Japan. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and business prosperity, this site sees millions of visitors each year, many of them foreign tourists.

Yet, reports have surfaced of tourists treating the sacred torii gates like jungle gyms, climbing on them for photos or even performing pull-ups. This level of disrespect would be unthinkable to most Japanese, who have been raised with a deep-seated reverence for these sacred spaces. Even the country’s most outlandish social media stars know better than to cross such a line.

This kind of behavior isn’t just culturally insensitive—it’s seen as a direct affront to the gods. For Japanese people, such actions risk invoking the wrath of the deities that reside in these shrines, bringing curses not just on the individuals involved, but potentially on the entire community.

Cultural Representation of Curses: Anime and Japanese Media

For visitors unfamiliar with the concept of divine curses, Japan’s rich popular culture provides a unique window into this world. Japanese media, particularly anime and film, often depict the complex relationship between humans and the gods. Studio Ghibli, in particular, has explored these themes in works such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.

In Spirited Away, the main character, Chihiro, inadvertently angers the spirits of the bathhouse, reflecting Japan’s cultural belief in the delicate balance between humans and the supernatural. Similarly, Princess Mononoke portrays the wrath of the gods as an unstoppable force of nature when humans act disrespectfully toward the environment. These works illustrate the way gods in Japanese culture are not purely benevolent beings—they are entities with their own desires, tempers, and capacity for punishment.

Why You Should Respect Inari Shrines: The Fearsome Power of Inari

Among all the gods of Japan, Inari stands out for both its ubiquity and its fierce reputation. There are thousands of Inari shrines across the country, making it one of the most worshipped deities. Inari is traditionally associated with prosperity, agriculture, and business, making it a particularly important figure in both urban and rural communities.

However, Inari is also one of the most fearsome deities when disrespected. From a young age, Japanese children are taught that playing around Inari shrines or mocking the god could result in misfortune. The fear of Inari no tatari (Inari’s curse) is pervasive, and stories of individuals who faced dire consequences after offending this deity are numerous.

This is why recent incidents at Fushimi Inari Taisha—where foreign tourists have been caught performing stunts on sacred structures—have caused such a scandal. The Japanese people know better than to risk offending this powerful god, and they are shocked that others would take such risks so lightly.

Real-Life Curses: Japan’s Most Infamous Supernatural Stories

While many cultures dismiss curses as mere superstition, in Japan, belief in the power of curses is alive and well. Several real-life locations are infamous for their association with supernatural retribution, and even today, people avoid showing disrespect out of fear of invoking a curse.

The Torii of Haneda Airport

One of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs, Haneda Airport, hides a story of divine intervention. When the airport was expanded after World War II, construction workers attempted to remove a large torii gate that once marked the site of an Inari shrine. However, each attempt to remove the gate resulted in accidents and injuries, leading workers to believe they had incurred the wrath of the Inari god. In the end, the gate was left in place for years until it was carefully relocated with proper rituals and prayers.

Taira no Masakado’s Grave

In Tokyo’s financial district, Otemachi, lies the grave of Taira no Masakado, a famous samurai from the Heian period. His spirit is said to be one of the most vengeful in Japan, and his grave has long been associated with stories of misfortune and death for those who disturb it. During the post-war reconstruction, attempts to level the grave for development were met with a series of inexplicable accidents, causing workers to halt the project and restore the site to its original state.

A Final Warning to Tourists: Respect Japanese Spiritual Spaces

In conclusion, visiting shrines and temples in Japan is a privilege, but it comes with responsibilities. Respecting these sacred spaces is not just about following the rules of etiquette; it’s about understanding the deep spiritual connection that Japanese people have with these places. For those who act disrespectfully, the consequences could be far greater than a simple reprimand—you could bring a curse upon yourself.

So, as you plan your visit to Japan, remember: tread carefully, respect the gods, and enjoy the beauty of these cultural treasures without invoking their wrath.