What are some types of Buddhist statues?

There are several kinds of Buddhist statues according to their roles. There are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and guardian gods. Buddha statue represents a person who already attained enlightenment. They are Syaka, founder of Buddhist, Yakushi, Amida and so on. Statues of Buddas are represented by persons who wear simple clothes like Indian saree without any accessories.

Bodhisattva is monk who is now on the way to the enlightenment. Statues of Bodhisattvas usually wear a lot of accessories such as earings, necklace, armlets. The most famous Bodhisattva is Kannon the deity of mercy. There are various Kannon statues, some of which have eleven faces or more than two arms.

Are there sects in Shintoism and Buddhism?

In Shintoism, there are various deities who have different roles. For example, Yebisu is the deity of commercial activity. Inari is the deity of harvest and industry. Tenjin is the deity of education. People go to shrines according to what they want to pray for. For example, people planning to take an examination go to Tenjin shrine. Owners of companies go to Yebisu shrine.

Buddhism has many kinds of sects. Main Buddha which they rely on is different from other sects. Scriptures which have been considered as the most important are different from other sects. Zen is very unique compared with other Buddhist sects. Zen sect emphasis on the practice of Zen for enlightenment rather than study of scriptures and worshipping of Buddhas.

When do people practice Shintoism and Buddhism?

People practice Shintoism when they get married, have a baby, ask for blessing from deity to children at their age of three, five and seven years. Many people come to shrine to pray for success before taking examinations.
People practice Buddhism when they hold funerals and commemoration service for the deceased. Many people visit both Shito shrine and Buddhist temples on New Year holidays to pray for good fortune for the year.

How can I distinguish between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple?

You can distinguish between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple by the gates at the entrance.
Shinto shrine has an open-gate which consists of two pillars and connected by two horizontal crosspieces at the top. In the buildings of Buddhist temple, you can usually find statues of Buddha. In some Buddhist temples, there are grave yards and five-story pagoda.