One of my majors is religion, particularly Asian religions. To begin a Japanese temple (寺・てら) is Buddhism (仏教・ぶっきょう). There are several forms of Buddhism practiced in Japan and within those denominations are others. Perhaps the most popular grouping is Zen Buddhism. From what I've experienced most Temples are taken care of by a priest and his family, with perhaps a disciple or multiplie disciples. The priest performs rituals for the community including routine practices and auspicious holidays, they also collect funds for the upkeep of the temple. A shrine (神社・じんじゃ) is Shinto (神道・しんとう) the original native religion of Japan. Its faith is the belief in multiple dieties and spirits residing in nature (animism/polytheism). There are many many gods, each shrine houses a god (神・かみ), but perhaps the most famous is Amaterasu 天照・あまてらす the goddess of the sun, which Japanese people believe they are decended (this is why the emperor was considered a god and Japananese 日本 is originated from the sun 日-sun 本- origin) As far as a Shrine goes they dont usually have priest present (神主・かんぬし/神職・しんしょく) but they do come around to perform particular rituals. When you visit one you will usually make a small money offering (any amount is fine) ring a bell, clap, and pray. There are also fortune slips you can buy. In my experience most priests are extremely friendly and more than happy to ask any questions you may have, but be worned, I did not find one that could speak English so I hope your Japanese is really good to understand all the explanations of the religious terminology. All of this information can also be found online.
