A Summary of Japanese Customs and Talismans at Temples and Shrines

The Difference Between Shrines and Temples

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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.

How to Pray at a Shrine

Below is the proper etiquette to follow when praying at a shrine.

1. Wash Your Hands at the Chozuya Washing Basin

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Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the chozuya (washing basin).

2. Ring the Bell at the Main Shrine

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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.

3. Make a Monetary Offering

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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.

4. Two Bows, Two Claps

Bow twice and clap your hands twice when making a prayer.

5. Say 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.

6. Make a Final Bow

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.

How to Pray at a Temple

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.

1. Wash Your Hands at the Chozuya Washing Basin

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This step is the same at a shrine. If there is a chozuya (washing basin), please wash your hands.

2. Bathe in the Incense Smoke

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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.

3. Throw Your Monetary Offering and Pray

As stated above, do not clap your hands like at a shrine. Hold your hands together and bow.

4. Bow Once, and Step Back from the Main Temple Hall

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After saying your prayer, make a slight bow, and step back from the main temple hall.

Check Out the Fortune-Telling Corner

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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.

Chinese Zodiac Charms Sold at Shrines

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.

What is an Omamori Charm?

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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!

Ema Prayer Plaque: Make a Wish Come True

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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.

Goshuin: Stamp Seals from Shrines and Temples

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.

How to Properly Visit a Grave

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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.

In Conclusion

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!