How to Pray at a Shrine in Japan: Coin, Two Bows, Two Claps
At a Shinto shrine, bow lightly at the gate and walk to the side of the path, then rinse at the water basin before you approach the hall. At the hall, drop a coin, bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more, and follow any signs, since some shrines differ.
Video out Oct 8The 24-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 4 things to know
Bow at the gate, walk to the side
Bow lightly at the gate, and walk to the side. The center is the deity's path.
Rinse at the water basin
At the water basin, rinse your left hand, then your right, then your mouth from your palm. Never drink from the ladle.
Coin, bow, clap, pray, bow
At the hall, drop a coin, bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more. The amount doesn't matter; many people give a 5-yen coin, since 'go-en' also means good connection.
Follow the signs
Some shrines differ, so follow the signs.
Quick answers
Should I clap at a shrine?
Yes, at a Shinto shrine you clap twice after bowing twice. At a Buddhist temple, don't clap; put your palms together quietly.
Do I have to pay to pray at a shrine?
The amount doesn't matter. Many people choose a 5-yen coin, since 'go-en' also means good connection, but you don't have to use one.
Can I take photos at a shrine?
Photos are usually fine in the grounds, but many halls ban photography, so look for the sign or ask staff.
Read the video transcript
Visiting a shrine in Japan? Here's how.
Bow lightly at the gate, and walk to the side. The center is the deity's path.
At the water basin, rinse your left hand, then your right, then your mouth from your palm.
Never drink from the ladle.
At the hall, drop a coin, bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more.
Some shrines differ, so follow the signs.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- japan.travelJNTO - Shrine & temple visits best practices
- higashihonganji.or.jpHigashi Honganji - Photography rules (PDF)
- Updated
- Video
- 24 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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