What is the difference between temples and shrines?

The basic difference is the religion. Temples are identified with Buddhism and shrines with Shinto.

Shinto Shrines

Shinto is practiced at a shrine and shrine is a homes of kami, the Shinto " gods". Basic of Shinto is to feel gratitude for the gifts of life received from Great Nature.

• At the entrance to a Shinto Shrine there is a shrine gate, called Torii.
• A pair of lion-dog guardian statues placed at each side of a shrine.
• There is a purification water called Chozuya near the the shrine's entrance.
• Shinto shrines use the suffix jinjya or jingu, as in Yasaka Jinjya & Heian Jingu.
• Before a prayer clap hands.

Buddhist Temples

Buddhism is practiced at a temple and temple is a religious building.

• At the temples, there are often a pagoda(multi-tiered towers), budda statues, a temple bell, or graves.
• Temples use the suffix ji, tera, or dera, as in Kiyomizudera or Kinkakuji.
• Prayers are silent.