How to visit a shrine: the basics

Step by step

1. 01

   At the torii

   A small bow before passing through. The center of the path is said to be for the gods, so walk to the side.

2. 02

   Purify

   At the water basin, scoop water: rinse left hand, right hand, then your mouth, and let water run down the handle.

3. 03

   Offering

   Put a coin in the offering box (any amount). Ring the bell if there is one.

4. 04

   Pray

   At a shrine: two bows, two claps, one bow. At a temple: no clapping — press your hands together and bow.

5. 05

   Omikuji & goshuin

   Draw an omikuji fortune and read it (some tie a bad one and leave it). Goshuin stamps are at the office (paid, in a dedicated book). Some inner halls ban photos — follow the signs.

Next, you might wonder

• Where do you put trash in Japan?