Religion and Spiritual Life for Expats in Japan

Japan is a country where ancient spiritual traditions coexist with modern secular lifestyles. For many expats, navigating religion and spirituality in Japan can be a unique journey, full of unexpected discoveries and quiet reflection. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply curious, this guide explores the religious landscape in Japan, how it influences daily life, and how expats can maintain or discover spiritual practices while living here.

1. The Religious Landscape of Japan

Shinto and Buddhism: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Japan’s two primary religions—Shinto and Buddhism—are not seen as mutually exclusive. It’s common for Japanese people to follow rituals from both traditions without any sense of contradiction. For example, a wedding may be held at a Shinto shrine, while funerals are typically Buddhist.

• Shinto (神道): Indigenous to Japan, Shinto is a polytheistic belief system that focuses on kami (spirits or gods) associated with nature, ancestors, and places. Shinto rituals emphasize purity, harmony, and seasonal festivals.

• Buddhism (仏教): Introduced from China and Korea in the 6th century, Buddhism in Japan focuses on teachings related to impermanence, mindfulness, and the cycle of rebirth. Popular sects include Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren.

Religion in Daily Life

Most Japanese people do not identify as strictly religious. Instead, religious practices are woven into cultural life:

• Visiting shrines or temples on New Year’s Day (Hatsumode)

• Participating in seasonal festivals (matsuri)

• Praying for exam success, health, or love at Shinto shrines

• Honoring ancestors during Obon in August

2. Religious Tolerance and Attitudes in Japan

Japan is generally tolerant of religious diversity, especially toward foreign faiths. There is little proselytizing and minimal religious conflict. People typically respect each other’s beliefs but rarely engage in deep theological discussions.

Key points for expats:

• Public religious expression is not common in Japanese society.

• You can freely practice your religion, but it’s considered polite to be discreet.

• Religion is often considered a private or family matter.

3. Christian Communities in Japan

While Christianity is a minority religion in Japan (less than 2% of the population), there are thriving communities, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.

Finding Churches

There are numerous English-speaking or bilingual churches that welcome expats:

• Tokyo Union Church (Omotesando): Interdenominational, active expat base

• Tokyo Baptist Church (Shibuya): Large English congregation

• St. Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal Church (Tokyo): Historical presence

• Yokohama Union Church

• Osaka International Church

Many of these churches offer Sunday services, Bible studies, community outreach, and children’s programs.

Catholic Churches

Japan also has a Roman Catholic presence, especially due to missionaries. Catholic churches offering English mass include:

• St. Ignatius Church (Yotsuya, Tokyo)

• Sacred Heart Cathedral (Yokohama)

4. Muslim Life in Japan

Islam is not well known to many Japanese, but the Muslim community is growing, particularly in urban centers and university towns.

Mosques and Prayer Spaces

There are over 100 mosques in Japan. Some major ones include:

• Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center (Yoyogi Uehara): The largest mosque in Japan, offering prayers, classes, and cultural events.

• Masjid Al-Ikhlas (Kobe)

• Osaka Ibaraki Mosque

Universities and airports often have dedicated prayer rooms, and Halal food is increasingly available.

Halal Resources

Apps and websites like Halal Navi, Muslim Pro Japan, and Happy Cow Japan can help locate Halal restaurants, groceries, and mosques.

5. Hindu, Sikh, and Jain Communities

Japan hosts small but active communities of Indian and South Asian expats who bring with them rich religious traditions.

• Hindu temples: Limited in number. Notable ones include Sanatana Dharma Temple (Narita) and ISKCON Tokyo.

• Sikh gurdwaras: Exist in Saitama and other areas with Indian communities.

• Jain services: Typically held in private homes or community centers.

Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Guru Nanak Jayanti are celebrated by community associations and temples.

6. Jewish Life in Japan

The Jewish community in Japan is small but present, especially in Tokyo and Kobe.

• Chabad Tokyo (Hiroo): Offers kosher meals, Shabbat services, and holiday events.

• Jewish Community of Japan (JCJ): Located in Minato, Tokyo, JCJ has a synagogue, Hebrew school, and social programs.

• Kobe Jewish Center: Historical presence from pre-WWII times.

Kosher food may be limited, but some stores in Tokyo offer imported goods or can arrange orders.

7. Buddhist Practice for Expats

For those interested in meditation, mindfulness, or deeper philosophical exploration, Japan offers rich opportunities.

Zen Meditation (Zazen)

Many Zen temples offer meditation classes (zazen-kai) open to foreigners. Notable places include:

• Engaku-ji (Kamakura)

• Shunkoin Temple (Kyoto) – Offers English instruction

• Rinzaiji Temple (Tokyo)

Buddhist Study and Retreats

Organizations such as Tokyo International Buddhist Meditation Center provide study groups and weekend retreats in English.

Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can often join temple events, especially during major festivals or “open temple” days.

8. Traditional Spiritual Practices

Aside from organized religion, Japan has a rich tradition of folk spirituality:

• Omamori (お守り): Protective amulets sold at shrines for health, love, or success

• Ema (絵馬): Wooden prayer plaques where people write wishes

• Fortune slips (Omikuji): Random fortunes drawn at shrines; bad luck ones are tied to trees to be “blown away”

• Seasonal purification rituals (such as at New Year)

These practices are widely adopted, even by non-religious people, and open to foreigners.

9. New Religious Movements in Japan

Japan is also home to several new religious movements, many of which have developed in the last 150 years. These include:

• Soka Gakkai (創価学会): A lay Buddhist movement with millions of followers globally. Known for chanting practice and community involvement.

• Tenrikyo (天理教): Focuses on joyful life through altruism and gratitude.

• Konkokyo (金光教) and Oomoto (大本): Based on Shinto reinterpretations.

Some movements are open to foreign members, while others are more insular.

10. Meditation, Yoga, and Wellness

If you’re more spiritually inclined than religious, Tokyo and other cities offer:

• Yoga studios with mindfulness or spiritual orientation

• Mindfulness meditation groups

• Nature-based practices like shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)

• Reiki and energy healing sessions

• Sound baths and kirtan gatherings

Apps like Meetup or Facebook groups like “Tokyo Spiritual Community” are great places to find events.

11. Cultural Etiquette Around Religion

Do’s:

• Be respectful when visiting temples and shrines (bowing, removing shoes, dressing modestly).

• Participate in festivals or rituals when invited.

• Learn basic terminology like “kamisama” (god), “hotoke” (Buddha), “jinja” (shrine), and “tera” (temple).

Don’ts:

• Avoid loud or disrespectful behavior at religious sites.

• Do not enter private prayer areas unless invited.

• Don’t assume everyone shares your faith or is interested in religion.

12. Maintaining Your Own Faith Practice

Even if your faith is not widely represented in Japan, there are ways to maintain your spiritual life:

• Online streaming of religious services

• Private prayer or home altars

• Religious texts via e-books or international delivery

• Join digital global faith communities

• Connect with embassy or international school networks

Final Thoughts

Religion and spiritual life in Japan can be both personal and public, simple yet profound. For expats, the experience often becomes a blend of preserving one’s own traditions while discovering new forms of spirituality. Japan’s tolerance, quiet reverence, and openness to rituals make it an ideal place to reflect, grow, and connect.

Whether you seek out Sunday service, a meditation retreat, or simply peace under a shrine’s ancient torii gate, Japan offers space for every soul.