Temple vs Shrine in Japan: How to Visit Each Respectfully
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.
Video out Oct 11The 21-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 3 things to know
No clapping at a temple
At a temple, no need to clap. Just put your palms together quietly. At shrines, by contrast, you clap twice.
Shoes off in halls
Entering a hall? You'll often take your shoes off, so wear clean socks. Outdoors you keep your shoes on, and only signed halls require removal.
Look for the photo sign
Many halls don't allow photos. Look for the sign.
Quick answers
How do you pray at a Buddhist temple in Japan?
Press your palms together quietly without clapping. Many halls ask you to remove your shoes, and some don't allow photos.
Can I take photos at a temple?
Outside in the grounds it's usually fine, but many halls, especially those with Buddha statues, don't allow photography. Follow the posted sign or ask staff.
Do I need to take my shoes off at a temple?
In signed halls, usually yes. Outdoors you keep your shoes on, so wear easy shoes and clean socks.
Read the video transcript
Visiting a temple in Japan? It's not the same as a shrine.
One. At a temple, no need to clap. Just put your palms together quietly.
Two. Entering a hall? You'll often take your shoes off. Wear clean socks.
Three. Many halls don't allow photos. Look for the sign.
Quiet and respectful.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- japan.travelJNTO - Shrine & temple visits best practices
- pref.shizuoka.jpShizuoka Prefecture - Japanese etiquette guide (PDF)
- higashihonganji.or.jpHigashi Honganji - Photography rules (PDF)
- Updated
- Video
- 21 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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