Kyoto temples introduce cashless service to protect religious freedom

KYOTO - A group of Buddhist temples in Kyoto Prefecture launched a cashless payment service in April that conceals which temples and shrines people visit, in an effort to protect freedom of religion.

Omairi Pay, introduced by Kyoto Buddhist Organization and cashless payment provider Valuedesign Inc., allows visitors to pay for admission fees or items such as amulets by credit card, transport IC card or e-money via dedicated devices installed in each temple.