⛩️ Shrines & Temples

• Bow at the torii gate Shinto shrines mark their sacred boundary with a torii gate. A small bow before entering is a quiet…
• Purify at the water basin Most shrines and many temples have a water basin (chouzuya) at the entrance. The ritual cleans your hands…
• The Shinto prayer ritual At a Shinto shrine, the typical prayer is: two bows, two claps, one bow. Drop a coin in the offering box…
• Buddhist temples are different from shrines At Buddhist temples, you bow and pray silently—no clapping. The atmosphere is similar but the rituals differ.
• Photography may be restricted inside Main halls often prohibit photography out of respect. Look for signs before raising your camera.
• Dress modestly Shrines and temples are working religious spaces. Shoulders covered and modest clothing are appreciated.
• Omikuji and ema are part of the experience Paper fortunes (omikuji) and wooden wish plaques (ema) are sold at shrines. They're a meaningful souvenir,…