Japan has over 80,000 Shinto shrines and 75,000 Buddhist temples — sacred sites that are deeply woven into daily life. Many foreigners visit without knowing the etiquette. Here’s how to show appropriate respect at both types of site.
Shrine vs Temple: Quick Identification
| Shinto Shrine (神社, Jinja) | Buddhist Temple (寺, Tera/Ji) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gate | Torii (鳥居) — distinctive arch gate | Sanmon (山門) — large gate with statues |
| Symbol | Shimenawa (rope), fox statues, white paper | Incense burner, Buddha statues, bell |
| Purpose | Worship of Shinto kami (deities) | Buddhist practice, prayer |
| Greeting word | N/A (silent prayer) | N/A (silent prayer) |
Many famous sites (like Nikko, Nara) combine both shrine and temple elements.
At a Shinto Shrine (神社)
1. Pass Through the Torii Gate
- Bow once before passing through the torii
- Walk on the side of the path — the center is reserved for the gods
- If there are multiple torii, bow at the first and last
2. Purify at the Temizuya (手水舎) — Water Basin
This is an important ritual purification step:
- Take the ladle with your right hand, pour water over your left hand
- Switch: take ladle with left hand, pour over right hand
- Cup your left hand, pour water into it, rinse your mouth (spit to the side — not back into the basin)
- Rinse your left hand again
- Hold the ladle upright and let remaining water run down the handle to purify it
Note: During COVID-19, temizuya were disabled at many shrines. Some now have alternative purification methods.
3. Approach the Haiden (拝殿) — Worship Hall
- Toss a coin into the offering box (賽銭箱) — ¥5 (go-en, homophone for “good connection”) and ¥50 are traditional
- Ring the bell (鈴) if present — to alert the deity
- Bow twice (深いお辞儀, 90-degree bow)
- Clap twice (拍手, hakushu)
- Pray silently — give thanks, make your wish
- Bow once more to finish
This is called 二礼二拍手一礼 (ni-rei, ni-hakushu, ichi-rei) — two bows, two claps, one bow.
Exception: Izumo Taisha uses four claps — local traditions vary.
At a Buddhist Temple (寺)
1. Pass Through the Sanmon (山門) Gate
- Bow before entering
- Step over the threshold (don’t step on it)
2. Purify at the Temizuya
Same water purification as shrines (where available).
3. Incense (線香, Senko)
If there’s an incense burner (香炉):
- Light a stick of incense (often ¥100 for a bundle)
- Wave the flame out — don’t blow (blowing is considered disrespectful)
- Place in the burner
- Waft the smoke toward yourself — believed to have healing properties
4. Main Hall Prayer
- Toss a coin into the offering box
- Bow once (temples generally don’t use the two-bow two-clap format)
- Pray silently with hands pressed together (合掌, gassho)
- Bow once to finish
Omikuji (おみくじ) — Fortune Slips
Available at most shrines and temples for ¥100–200.
- Draw randomly from a box or pull a numbered stick
- Read your fortune — from 大吉 (daikichi — great luck) to 凶 (kyo — bad luck)
- If bad luck: Tie it to a designated wire or tree near the shrine to leave the bad fortune behind
- If good luck: Keep it in your wallet for the year
Omamori (お守り) — Lucky Charms
Small fabric amulets sold at shrines and temples:
- Traffic safety (交通安全) — for drivers
- Academic success (学業) — for students
- Love (縁結び) — for romance
- Health (健康) — for wellbeing
- Safe birth (安産) — for pregnant women
They are meant to be replaced annually — return old ones to the shrine or temple.
Photography and Behavior
- Photography is generally permitted at grounds and gardens
- Inner sanctuaries often prohibit photos — look for signs (撮影禁止)
- Speak quietly — these are places of worship
- Don’t touch statues unless explicitly permitted
- Stay on marked paths
Good General Mindset
Visiting as a foreigner with genuine respect is always appreciated. Even if you make a procedural mistake, the intent matters. Most Japanese people are delighted to see foreigners engaging respectfully with their sacred spaces.