Temples across the country, including in the Chugoku region, are increasingly turning to mobile apps, videos and social media to entice visitors.
Some temples even offer an app that adds up points each time an individual visits, while others livestream Buddhist services for people unable to attend in person.
The Nichiren sect of Buddhism unveiled a free app called Gassho no Akashi, which translates roughly as Proof of Putting Palm to Palm in Prayer, in November.