How to pray at a shrine and at a temple in Japan

How to tell them apart

A Shinto shrine usually has a torii gate at the entrance. A Buddhist temple usually has a large gate called a sanmon instead. The way you pray is different at each place.

At a shrine

• Bow once before you go through the torii gate. Walk a little to the left or right of the center, not straight down the middle.
• At the water pavilion (temizuya), use one ladle of water for all steps. Wash your left hand, then your right hand. Pour some water into your left hand to rinse your mouth, and spit beside the fountain. Do not put the ladle to your mouth.
• At the altar: quietly toss a coin into the offering box, ring the bell, bow twice, clap twice, pray with your hands together, and bow once more.

At a temple

• Prayer customs are less strict. Stay calm and respectful.
• If there is a water pavilion, you can wash your hands and mouth in the same way.
• Make an offering, put your hands together, and pray silently. Do not clap.
• Incense (osenko): put a coin in the box and take a bundle, light it, put out the flame by waving your hand (do not blow), place it in the burner, and pray silently.

Other manners

• You may need to take off your shoes before entering temple buildings. Use the shoe shelves or carry them in the bags provided.
• Obey signs that forbid photography inside temples.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Shrine and Temple Traditions
• JNTO: Shrine & Temple Visits - Best Practices

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