In Japan, shrines can be found everywhere—both in bustling cities and in quieter, rural areas.
If you’re visiting Japan as a tourist, I highly recommend stopping by at least one shrine.
The moment you step onto shrine grounds, you’ll likely notice a unique atmosphere that feels different from anywhere else.
Japanese gods (kami) welcome anyone at any time.
If you show respect, the gods will respond in kind.
When you travel to Japan, keep this guide in mind for how to properly visit a shrine.
1. Basic Manners at a Shrine
Shinto shrines are sacred places, so it’s important to behave respectfully.
- Keep your phone on silent mode
- Speak quietly
- Take your trash with you
2. How to Walk Through the Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the boundary between the sacred space and the outside world.
- Walk to the side instead of the center
- Bow slightly when entering and leaving
3. Purifying Yourself at the Temizuya (Water Basin)
Cleansing your hands and mouth symbolizes purifying your mind and body.
- Take the ladle with your right hand and scoop water
- Wash your left hand
- Wash your right hand
- Pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth (do not touch the ladle directly to your lips)
- Hold the ladle vertically to rinse the handle
4. How to Pray at the Main Shrine
Here’s the standard procedure for praying at the main hall:
- Offer your donation (saisen)
- Ring the bell (if there is one)
- Perform two bows, two claps, and one final bow
- Bow deeply twice
- Clap twice
- Make your wish silently
- Bow once deeply to finish
5. Additional Tips
- Follow the shrine’s rules for photography
- Do not touch plants or buildings
- Pets are generally not allowed
6. Fun Fact
When offering coins at a shrine, it’s a good idea to use a 5-yen coin.
Many Japanese people use 5-yen coins for their offerings because, in Japanese, “5 yen” (go-en) sounds like the word for “good luck” or “a good connection.” It’s a small way to add a little extra meaning to your visit.
7. Final Thoughts
We’ve covered the basic rules for visiting a shrine. While it’s important to avoid major mistakes, you don’t need to worry too much about doing everything perfectly—like the exact way to wash your hands or bow.
Even many Japanese people aren’t fully aware of the “correct” way to pray, and the shrine staff or the gods won’t be upset if you don’t do everything perfectly.
At a minimum, just remember to bow when you enter and leave, and make your wish after offering your coin. That’s enough to show respect.
If something good happens to you after visiting a shrine, it’s a nice idea to return and give thanks. This helps maintain a positive connection with the gods.
And if you come to enjoy visiting shrines, next time you go, you can try remembering the proper steps—this will make Japanese people happy too!
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