Articles
Articles
Visiting a shrine or temple is one of the best ways to experience Japan. These illustrated guides explain the customs step by step, so you can visit with confidence and respect.
Shrines, temples and omikuji
⛩️ How to Pray at a Shrine|From the Torii Gate to Two Bows, Two Claps, One BowA step-by-step, illustrated guide to praying at a Japanese Shinto shrine: bowing at the torii, walking the approach, offerings and the bell, and the “two bows, two claps, one bow” prayer.
💧 Temizu Purification|How to Purify Your Hands and Mouth at a ShrineAn illustrated, step-by-step guide to temizu — the purification ritual at Japanese shrines. Learn how to hold the ladle, the order for your hands and mouth, and what to do when there is no ladle.
🏯 Shrines vs. Temples|Do You Clap or Not?Japanese shrines and temples have different etiquette. Learn the differences — torii vs. sanmon gates, clapping vs. silent prayer, bells, incense and more — with an illustrated comparison.
🧧 Omamori and Ofuda|How to Keep Japanese Amulets and When to Return ThemHow to carry an omamori amulet and keep an ofuda talisman, and what to do after a year. Can you have more than one? Can you open it? What about amulets from your trip to Japan?
🪙 Saisen Offerings|What They Mean, How Much to Give and Why 5 YenWhat saisen offerings mean at Japanese shrines and temples, whether there is a set amount, why 5 yen is considered lucky, and how to make your offering politely.
🎍 Hatsumode Etiquette|When to Make Your First Shrine Visit of the YearHatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year in Japan. Learn when to go, what to do if your family is in mourning, crowd manners and what people do on their visit.
📕 How to Receive a Goshuin|A Beginner’s Guide to Shrine and Temple SealsWhat a goshuin is, how to choose a goshuin book, and the steps and manners for receiving one at a Japanese shrine or temple — pray first, go to the counter, pay the offering fee.
🎋 What Is Omikuji?|Fortune Ranks, What the Slip Says and Tying It to a TreeThe origin of omikuji fortunes at Japanese shrines and temples, the order of fortunes from great blessing to bad luck, what each section of the slip means, and whether to tie it or take it home.
Ready to try a Japanese fortune?
Go to Kantei Mura