Topic · 2 tips
Japan Temples & Shrines Etiquette
How to pray at a shrine, and how to tell it from a temple. Each tip below comes with a short video starring Hako, the written version, a Japanese phrase to try, and links to the official sources we checked.
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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.
Covers: Bow at the gate, walk to the side · Rinse at the water basin · Coin, bow, clap, pray, bow · Follow the signs
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A temple is not the same as a shrine: at a Buddhist temple you don't clap, you just press your palms together quietly, while at a Shinto shrine you clap twice. Inside temple halls you'll often take your shoes off, and many halls don't allow photos, so look for the sign.
Covers: No clapping at a temple · Shoes off in halls · Look for the photo sign
