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If you plan to visit temples and shrines in Japan, it is good to know some basic information about the customs and etiquette. This article summarizes all you need to know when visiting sacred sites in Japan.
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Put simply, temples are home to two different religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. Since these religions are different, the visiting manners observed at temples or shrines are also different.
Below is the proper etiquette to follow when praying at a shrine.
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Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the chozuya (washing basin).
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There is a large bell with a long rope at the main shrine. Swing the rope firmly and ring the bell.
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Some people make a monetary offering by throwing money into the osaisen (offering box). However, the proper way is to quietly drop the offering.
Bow twice and clap your hands twice when making a prayer.
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Place your hands together, but don't interlace your fingers. One hand should be placed slightly in front of the other.
Take a final bow. The fourth, fifth, and sixth step may be different at each shrine. If you want to do it properly, ask the shrine staff for assistance.
The following is the proper etiquette to follow when praying at a temple. The biggest difference when praying at a shrine is that you don't clap your hands at a temple.
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This step is the same at a shrine. If there is a chozuya (washing basin), please wash your hands.
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If there is an incense burner, bathe in the incense smoke. This is a way to purify your body. A temple incense burner is shown in the photograph above.
As stated above, do not clap your hands like at a shrine. Hold your hands together and bow.
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After saying your prayer, make a slight bow, and step back from the main temple hall.
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Many living in Japan love drawing an omikuji (fortune-telling slip) at shrines or temples to test their luck.
Don't worry if the result isn't good. It only costs 100 to 200 yen, so just draw one and have fun.
Similar to astrological constellations assigned for each month, there are 12 animals assigned for each year in Japan called eto (Chinese zodiac).
This is why people in Japan say things like, "This is the year of the rabbit."
You'll find an omamori (charm or amulet) with a design featuring the year's animal at shrines. If the animal of your birth year is being sold, it will make a nice souvenir of your trip.
If you want to know the animal of your birth year, take a look at this English Wikipedia page.
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An omamori (charm/amulet) is an item to ensure good fortune sold at shrines and temples. Each omamori has its own power, such as protecting its owner or inviting good fortune. It all depends on what amulet you choose!
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An ema is a wooden prayer plaque dedicated to a shrine or temple as an offering in exchange for granting one's wish. Nowadays, it is used to send wishes to deities. If you want to learn more, read the article Ema And Goriyaku - Japanese Encyclopedia.
A goshuin is a stamp seal that proves someone visited a shrine or temple. If you plan on doing shrine or temple-hopping, collecting these beautiful seals will be fun.
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There is often a graveyard inside the temple grounds. If you're going to visit someone's grave, please observe the proper manners.
While it may seem like there are many rules, even Japanese people don't know every etiquette at shrines and temples. Don't worry too much, and enjoy visiting various Japanese shrines and temples on your trip!
Written by
A Japanese teacher, calligrapher, singer in my room!