At Shrines Manner

When you go to a shrine or temple in Japan, there are a few things regarding manners that you should take note of. Firstly let's start with the entrance gates at the very front of the shrine called Touri. These big red gates are at the entrance to every shrine and once you cross them you should walk on the side of the main path leading in. Legend has it that at special events such as New Years the gods walk this sando and so it's disrespectful for people to walk in the middle.

How to pray at a shrine: If the shrine is crowded, wait patiently. After you put 5 yen into the box before the shrine you bow three times, clap three times then say your wish before bowing once again. If there is a bell you should ring it either before the first two bows or in place of the two claps. You can make any wish you desire.

Japanese people often buy omamori or protection charms after they pray to increase their fortune in a certain area of life. Often brief explanations for each are listed in English.

At Temples Manner

When you go to the temple you do not clap when you pray but place your hands together before God and instead of making a wish, you pray in reverence of god. When you enter a temple you may be asked to take your shoes off as you would when entering a house as the temple is god's house.

Sometimes at a shrine or temple you will observe an event such as a wedding or coming of age and often there will be priests or shrine maidens who wear interesting clothes, however if you wish to take pictures, please ask them first.