Proper Etiquette and Respectful Practices at a Shrine

I'm going to share the proper etiquette and respectful practices at a shrine with you!

What is a shrine?

Shrines are places of religious importance in Japan, following the Shinto belief system. They house various gods, including imperial families, ancestral figures, and revered individuals. Japan has around 85,000 registered shrines, but unofficial estimates suggest there may be up to 200,000 shrines across the country, including smaller ones.

What is the difference between shrines and temples?

To put it simply, temples are facilities of different religions, Buddhism and shrines are Shintoism.

As for the difference in appearance, the place where the Buddha statue and the tomb are located is a temple, and the place where there is a torii gate is a shrine.

A Torii gate

The proper etiquette and respectful practices

1. Bow in front of the Torii gate

The Torii gate is considered to be the boundary between this world and the world where the gods live. Therefore, when passing through the Torii gate, bow with the meaning of thank you for having me. Also, when walking on the approach, avoid the middle and walk on the left side. Because the middle is the place where God passes. If you have to cross the path, turn to the shrine and bow. In addition, the reason why we walk on the left side is in Shintoism, the left side is considered precious.

Avoid walking middle and walk on the left side

2. Purify yourself

A shrine has a place where worshippers purify themselves before praying, and it is called Chozuya or Temizuya.

1. Firstly, take a bow in front of a Chozuya
2. Draw water using a ladle from a basin with your right hand
3. Pour water on your left hand
4. Hold the ladle on your left hand and pour water on your right hand
5. Hold the ladle in your right hand again, pour water into your left palm, put the water in your mouth, and rinse

   MEMO

   If you do not want to put water in your mouth hygienically, you can pretend to do it.

6. After rinsing your mouth, pour water over your left hand again to purify
7. Hold the ladle up, rinse the handle of the ladle with the remaining water
8. Return the ladle to its original position
9. Lastly, take a bow to the Chozuya

3. Throwing money into the offertory box

When you arrive at the main shrine, take a low bow and throw the money into the offertory box.

Speaking of the amount of money you throw into the box,  it is common to decide based on an auspicious pun.  I recommend 5 yen, 15 yen, and 25 yen. The 5 yen coin has a hole in it and is considered to be "luck passes". Moreover, the 5 yen is pronounced the same as "lucky" in Japanese, so it is considered fortunate. The meaning of each amount is 5 yen (may you have good luck), 15 yen (may you have enough luck), and 25 yen (may you have double luck).

4. Worship with the etiquette of two bows, two claps, and one bow

Once you have put money in the offertory box, ring the bell (if any), and pray in the following way:

1. Bow twice
2. Clap your hands twice at chest level
3. Bow once
4. Pray
5. Take a low bow

Bow twice

Clap twice

Bow once

5. Take a bow when you leave the shrine

And finally, when you leave the shrine, bow in front of the Torii gate.

Conclusion

When you visit Japan, you'll be visiting a shrine for sure. At that time, please follow these proper etiquette and respectful practices and enjoy Japanese culture and the sacred atmosphere at a shrine.