Etiquette in Shrines

There are various religious facilities in Japan, but the most representative of Japan is the shrine.

Shrines (神社 = jinja) are ritual facilities based on the belief in Shinto, a religion unique to Japan.

In the past, sacred mountains, waterfalls, rocks, forests, and giant trees were revered as places where "Kami" (神 = objects of worship, gods) resided, and they were called "shrines" even if they did not have a shrine building. Today's "shrines", are said to be permanent buildings where these gods were enshrined.

It is said that there are 80,000 shrines in Japan, and you will have many opportunities to see them if you visit.

There is no strict etiquette for visiting a shrine, but the following manners are generally known.

1. Pass through the Torii gate

iStock.com/SeanPavonePhoto

A torii (鳥居) gate can be found at the entrance of most shrines in Japan. It is best to bow once before passing through, and when you leave, pass through the Torii, turn around and bow once more toward the shrine building.

2. Approach

The path leading to the shrine building is the approach (参道 = sando). The middle of the approach is considered to be the path of the gods, so try to avoid it as much as possible by walking along the sides.

3. Chozuya (purification basin)

iStock.com/MasaoTaira

In front of the main shrine building, there is a Chozuya (手水舎 = purification basin). Here, you face the Chozubachi (手水鉢 = water basin) and wash your hands to purify your mind and body.

1. Take the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand.
   Draw water from the basin and pour it over your left hand to wash it.
   Be careful not to pour the used water back into the basin.
2. Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
   Draw water from the basin again and wash your right hand.
3. Switch the ladle back to your right hand and rinse your mouth.
   Collect water in the palm of your left hand and rinse your mouth. When doing this, be careful not to put your mouth directly on the ladle.
4. Quietly finish rinsing and pour water over your left hand again.
5. Gently hold the ladle upright with both hands and rinse the handle with water, then return the ladle to its original position.

4. How to bow in front of Shrine building

iStock.com/MasaoTaira

1. Repeat a deep bow twice.
2. Next, place both hands together at chest height, pull your right hand slightly forward, and open both hands shoulder-width apart and clap twice.
3. Then, place both hands together and pray from the bottom of your heart.
4. Lower both hands and finally bow deeply once more.

Putting money into the offering box before step① is called "money offering." (お賽銭 = Osaisen) There is no set amount.

Shrines are very familiar to Japanese people. The have a unique connection to our history and culture, being both a place of beauty, peace & spirituality

We hope that you will visit the places that we cherish so much.