(じしゃ)

じしゃ
noun
temples and shrines
1. temples and shrines
A compound word referring collectively to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Used when discussing both types of religious sites together.
京都(きょうと)には寺社(じしゃ)(おお)い。
There are many temples and shrines in Kyoto.
正月(しょうがつ)には(おお)くの(ひと)寺社(じしゃ)(おとず)れる。
Many people visit temples and shrines during the New Year.
この地域(ちいき)歴史的(れきしてき)寺社(じしゃ)(めぐ)るツアーに参加(さんか)した。
I joined a tour visiting the historic temples and shrines of this area.

USAGE:
The order 寺社(じしゃ) (temple-shrine) is the standard form. The reversed form 社寺(しゃじ) also exists and is interchangeable. Both refer to Buddhist temples ((てら)) and Shinto shrines (神社(じんじゃ)) collectively.

In historical contexts, 寺社(じしゃ)奉行(ぶぎょう) was a Tokugawa-era magistrate overseeing temples and shrines.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 寺社(じしゃ)仏閣(ぶっかく): temples and shrines (more formal synonym)
  • 寺社(じしゃ)(めぐ)り: pilgrimage to temples and shrines
  • 寺社(じしゃ)奉行(ぶぎょう): magistrate of temples and shrines (historical)