Visiting a Shrine or Temple in Japan: Etiquette and Key Words
Shrines and temples are everywhere in Japan. JNTO estimates there are around 80,000 shrines in the country, and around 77,000 temples on top of that, so you will pass one even on a day you had not planned to. Visiting is easy and welcoming, but the two are not the same, and each has its own small rituals. This guide follows the Japan National Tourism Organization's (JNTO) own etiquette guides and adds the vocabulary you will see on signs.
1. Shrine or temple?
The first thing to work out is which one you are at.
| Shrine | Temple | |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 神社 [jinja] | 寺 [tera], often お寺 [otera] |
| Religion | Shinto | Buddhism |
| Gate | Torii, 鳥居 | Sanmon, 山門, often with guardian statues |
| Prayer | Bow, clap, bow | Hands together, no clapping |
JNTO describes the torii as marking the boundary between the earthly and the spiritual. A temple's sanmon gate is often decorated with Niozo guardian statues; JNTO points to Sensoji in Asakusa as an example.
2. At the gate
At a shrine, JNTO says it is customary to bow once before passing through the torii and to walk a little to the left or right of center, never through the exact middle. JNTO's shrine guide explains why: the center of the path is reserved for the kami, the deity of the shrine.
3. Purifying at the water pavilion
Near the entrance you will find the temizuya (手水舎), a water pavilion with ladles. JNTO's steps:
- Take a ladle in your right hand, scoop water, and pour it over your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
- Pour a little water into your left hand, rinse your mouth, and spit the water out beside the fountain.
JNTO's one firm rule here: never touch the ladle directly to your mouth. Many temples have a temizuya too, and you can follow the same steps there.
4. Praying at a shrine
JNTO's sequence at the altar:
- Toss a coin into the offering box.
- Ring the bell to greet the deity.
- Bow twice.
- Clap twice.
- Say your prayer with your hands still together.
- Bow once more, then step aside for the next person.
This is the "two bows, two claps, one bow" pattern behind the title of JNTO's shrine guide.
5. Praying at a temple
JNTO says temples are less detailed. Approach the altar, make your offering, and join your hands in silent prayer. There is no need to clap.
Many temples sell incense (お線香, osenko). JNTO notes you can buy a bundle and place it in a small pavilion, and that many visitors fan the smoke over themselves because it is believed to have healing powers.
6. Do's and don'ts
From JNTO's best-practices guide:
- Wear shoes that come off easily and decent socks; you may be asked to remove your shoes to enter temple buildings.
- Watch for no-photo signs, and do not photograph or film in prohibited areas.
- Keep your voice down and be respectful of people who are worshipping.
7. Words you will see
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 神社 | jinja | shrine |
| 寺 / お寺 | tera / otera | temple |
| 鳥居 | torii | shrine gate |
| 手水舎 | temizuya | water purification pavilion |
| お線香 | osenko | incense |
| 本殿 | honden | hall where a shrine's deity is enshrined |
| 賽銭箱 | saisen-bako | offering box |
| 授与所 | juyosho | counter for shrine goods |
| お守り | omamori | good luck charm |
| おみくじ | omikuji | paper fortune slip |
| 御朱印 | goshuin | red seal marking your visit |
JNTO's shrine guide adds a few details on these. Omikuji usually cost 100 to 300 yen, and if yours predicts bad luck, the suggestion is to tie it to the dedicated board at the shrine. Goshuin are usually handwritten by shrine staff and collected in a stamp book called a goshuincho. JNTO also mentions a final courtesy: once you pass back through the torii on your way out, turn and bow toward the shrine once more.
8. Phrases for asking staff
You will rarely need to talk at a shrine or temple, but when you do, these lines from JNTO's Tourist's Language Handbook fit naturally:
- お尋ねしたいのですが。 [otazune shitai no desu ga] "Can I ask you a question?" A gentle opener for the staff at an amulet counter.
- これは何ですか。 [kore wa nan desu ka] "What is this?" Point at an object or sign you don't recognize.
- ～はどこですか。 [～ wa doko desu ka] "Where is ～?" For example, 本殿はどこですか, "Where is the main hall?"
- これはいくらですか。 [kore wa ikura desu ka] "How much is this?" At a counter selling charms or incense.
9. Going further
JNTO's guide also suggests deeper experiences: Buddhist cuisine at Daihonzan Eiheiji temple, a temple stay with meditation and prayer at Mt. Koya, or the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
10. Key takeaways
- Shrines (神社) are Shinto and marked by a torii; temples (寺) are Buddhist and have a sanmon gate.
- Bow once at the torii and walk to the side of the path, not the center.
- At the temizuya: left hand, right hand, rinse mouth from your left hand, never touching the ladle to your lips.
- Shrines: two bows, two claps, prayer, one bow. Temples: hands together, no clapping.
- Watch for no-photo signs, keep your voice low, and wear shoes that come off easily.