To honor a Japanese shrine, known as a Jinja, visitors typically follow a series of respectful rituals, primarily involving purification, offerings, and specific bowing and clapping gestures to show reverence to the kami (deities).
General Shrine Etiquette
Before engaging in prayer, it's important to observe general etiquette, which demonstrates respect for the sacred space.
Approaching the Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the transition from the mundane world to the sacred.
- Bow: Before passing through the torii, pause, face the shrine, and offer a slight bow. Repeat this when exiting.
- Walk to the Side: Avoid walking directly down the center path (called the sando), as this path is traditionally reserved for the kami. Instead, walk along one side.
Purification at the Temizuya (Water Pavilion)
Near the entrance of most shrines, you'll find a temizuya, a water pavilion for ritual purification. This involves cleansing your hands and mouth.
- Pick up the Ladle: With your right hand, pick up the ladle (hishaku) and scoop water from the basin.
- Wash Left Hand: Pour some water over your left hand.
- Wash Right Hand: Transfer the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
- Rinse Mouth: Transfer the ladle back to your right hand. Pour a small amount of water into your cupped left hand and rinse your mouth. Do not bring the ladle directly to your mouth. Spit the water discreetly beside the basin, not back into it.
- Wash Ladle Handle: Hold the ladle vertically so the remaining water cleanses the handle.
- Return Ladle: Place the ladle back on its stand, facing down.
Performing Prayers at the Main Hall (Haiden)
After purification, proceed to the main hall (haiden) where prayers are offered.
Offering a Donation (Saisen)
At the haiden, you'll typically find a wooden offering box (saisenbako).
- Toss a Coin: Gently toss a coin (often a 5-yen coin, go-en, which sounds like "good fate" or "縁" meaning connection/relationship, is preferred for good luck, but any denomination is acceptable) into the box.
Ringing the Bell (If Present)
If there's a rope hanging down with a bell, you may ring it after offering your coin.
- Ring Once: Gently shake the rope to ring the bell once or twice. This is believed to attract the attention of the kami.
The "Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow" Ritual
This is the most distinctive gesture for offering prayers at a Shinto shrine.
- First Two Bows: Stand before the altar. Bow deeply twice (approximately 90 degrees).
- Two Claps: Bring your hands together at chest height, slightly open, then clap them together twice. This is to get the kami's attention and express joy.
- Silent Prayer: After clapping, put your hands together in prayer, bowing slightly (some suggest 45 degrees as an ideal angle), and offer your silent prayers and wishes to the kami.
- Final Bow: Conclude with one final deep bow.
Departing from the Shrine
Respectful behavior extends to your departure.
- Bow Upon Leaving Hall: As you leave the main hall, bow once more.
- Bow at Torii: When you pass back through the torii gate, turn back towards the shrine and offer a final bow as you exit the shrine grounds.
Other Ways to Show Respect
Beyond the primary prayer ritual, there are other ways visitors can honor a Japanese shrine:
- Ema (Votive Tablets): Purchase a wooden ema tablet, write your wishes or prayers on it, and hang it on the designated rack within the shrine grounds.
- Omikuji (Fortunes): Draw a fortune slip (omikuji). If it's a good fortune, you can keep it. If it's bad, tie it to a designated tree branch or rope at the shrine to leave the bad luck behind.
- Goshuin (Seal Stamps): Collect goshuin, unique calligraphic stamp impressions, in a special notebook (goshuincho) as a souvenir and proof of your visit.
Distinction: Shrines vs. Temples (Clarifying Incense)
It's important to note the difference between Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. While the primary focus for honoring a Shinto shrine involves specific bows and prayers as outlined above, practices like lighting incense sticks and leaving them as offerings are common at Buddhist temples, rather than Shinto shrines. Shinto rituals emphasize purification, offerings of food/sake, and specific bowing/clapping gestures.
Summary of Shinto Shrine Prayer Steps
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Approaching | Bow before passing through the torii gate. Walk along the side path. | Showing respect upon entering sacred ground. |
| 2. Purification | Cleanse hands and mouth at the temizuya using the ladle. | Removing impurities before meeting the kami. |
| 3. Donation | Gently toss a coin into the offering box (saisenbako). | Offering gratitude or a token of respect. |
| 4. Ring Bell | If present, gently ring the bell. | Attracting the attention of the kami. |
| 5. Bows & Claps | Bow twice deeply. Clap hands twice. Put hands together, bow slightly (e.g., 45 degrees), and offer silent prayers. | Reverence, greeting, and communicating with kami. |
| 6. Final Bow | Conclude with one final deep bow. | Showing gratitude and respect. |
| 7. Departing | Bow once more when leaving the main hall, and again, facing the shrine, after passing back through the torii gate. | Expressing thanks upon departure. |
By following these traditional customs, visitors can honor Japanese shrines respectfully and connect with the spiritual traditions of Japan.
