Temple Interiors and Priests

“The temples of the two great religious sects of Japan, Buddhist and Shinto, are almost exactly similar in outside appearance, but the interior of the former is more ostentatiously fitted up with handsome gilt shrines, idols, &c. The general appearance of the shrines, together with their paraphernalia, remarkably resemble the altars of a Roman Catholic cathedral. Gold and brass candelabra, with lighted tapers and candles, incense burners, dimly burning lamps, chalices, &c., all remind one of religious formalities nearer to home; and when the priest, with shaven head and dressed in purple stole and white chasuble, performs mass in the dim religious light and halo of incense, the illusion is certainly not lessened.”

Arthur H. Crow, Highways and Byeways in Japan, (London, 1883) pp. 46–47